Do you live in the charming city of Katy, Texas? Then, you probably haven’t witnessed extremely cold weather. The city is fairly pleasant to live in, as it gets 208 sunny days with only 48 inches of rain every year.
Even then, temperatures can sometimes drop below the freezing point. For instance, in 2021, Katy witnessed snow, which is usually unlikely.
Sudden temperature drops and inconsistencies can affect a commercial or residential property’s integrity. For instance, there’s a possibility of your building’s pipes bursting or freezing. Even with short winters, Katy’s plumbing system is susceptible to freezing and winter damage because of bad insulation and improper building codes.
In this blog, we will discuss how to deal with and prevent frozen and burst pipes in Katy.
How Do You Deal With Frozen Or Ruptured Pipes?
In 2023, Katy council members offered an extra USD 47,000 for emergency pipe repair services on sewer lines in the city. They hired a group of experienced Katy plumbers to perform the repair services using the ‘pipe-burst’ method. Their experience in sewer line repairs and re-piping allowed them to offer professional services without causing any damage to the main lines.
This incident proves you can do the same for your residential or commercial building’s pipes.
Repairing Frozen Pipes
According to 24/7 Plumbing Co., pipes will freeze if temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Katy usually doesn’t get such cold winters. However, your commercial or residential property can experience frozen pipes due to alarming climate changes in the city, improper insulation, and poor maintenance.
When that happens, there are ways to repair it. For instance, you can attempt to unfreeze it by using heat guns or hair dryers outside the frozen areas. You can also run hot water through the pipe to thaw any frozen liquid. Other than that, you can wrap the frozen pipes with hot towels and let the water flow through.
But if none of these work, you should hire experienced plumbers to help with the thawing process. These professionals will have the necessary tools to unfreeze the pipes without damaging them.
Repairing Burst Pipes
Pipes can burst because water expands inside an enclosed space when frozen, putting pressure on the metal. The signs of a pipe burst include fluctuating water pressure, puddles under the sink or bathroom, the smell of rotten eggs, scary noises, etc.
You can attempt to repair the pipes in your home, but it’s always wise to call an expert in a commercial building to help with the process. Business plumbers will come equipped with tools like eye protection, soldering flux, torch kits, pipe fittings, etc.
After shutting off the water and draining the pipes, the plumbers will inspect and locate the damage. They’ll either try to seal it or determine the placement of a new fitting. You’ll see them remove screws to position the valve, use the soldering flux, connect the damaged pipes, and seal it using torch guns.
How Do You Protect Pipes from Winter Damage?
You need to perform regular checks on the plumbing system to ensure its durability and effectiveness. As mentioned, the pipe ruptures and gets frozen due to long winters or bad insulation. Thankfully, the weather in Katy reduces the risk of pipe damage.
Even then, you should have an idea of how to prevent your residential or commercial building’s pipes from bursting or freezing.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
According to Forbes, you should start winterizing your pipes when the weather becomes colder. In Katy, you can recognize freezing pipes when there’s minimal flow or blockage at the faucets.
To prevent that from happening, you should follow these steps during the winter:
- If the pipelines run through your garage, ensure that the doors are closed after use.
- Perform regular checks to determine the plumbing system’s integrity.
- Use foam insulation to insulate the pipes and prevent freezing.
- Drain the indoor and outdoor faucets to let the cold water run out.
- Keep the thermostat temperature consistent throughout the day and night.
- Seal any cracks or leaks in the pipes.
Preventing Burst Pipes
You can prevent your pipes from rupturing in the winter if you follow these tips:
- Use the slow drip method to reduce pressure buildup in the pipes.
- Expose the pipes in the basement, bathroom, and kitchen to warmer air.
- Replace corroded pipes before the winter comes.
- Insulate the exterior spigots and protect them using covers.
- Shut off the water supply if you notice any leaks.
You should also check for signs of corrosion and water pressure issues. But remember to call a professional plumber in Katy to inspect or repair a burst pipe.
In conclusion, the pipes in commercial and residential buildings are usually safe due to the pleasant weather in Katy. However, pipes in Katy can burst or freeze due to improper insulation or maintenance. You can follow the tips shared in this blog to repair the pipes and prevent any future damage.
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