Category: Heating

How to avoid freezing pipe Headaches

How to avoid freezing pipe Headaches

With temps plunging into record lows, the potential for frozen pipes can create a headache for homeowners. Here are just a few things one can try to avoid this from happening.

In basements and crawl spaces, pipes touching an outside wall or located outside need to be properly covered. There is an insulation that is available at most home improvement or plumbing stores that is the shape of the pipe (usually 1/2″ copper), has a slit down the middle and wraps around the pipe.

Remove any hoses in the backyard from the hook up, shut off the valve and open the valve outside so all the water drips out.

I know this one will go against your conserve water side, but turn on your taps. There’s pressure built up in the pipes, and if water’s not moving and that pipe is exposed to cold then it could Freeze, so just turn that faucet on a little bit. Moving water will not freeze as rapidly as it could just sitting in the pipe.

In the event of a prolonged power outage, turn off the main shut off valve which controls water coming into the house and then open all the faucets and let the water run through. This way you have no water in the pipes for freezing.

You can also drain your water heater during an outage to avoid damage. Usually above the water heater there are two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water, shut off the water there. On the bottom of the water heater, there is a spout and that is where you will drain the water.

Sometimes even after taking measures to avoid a freeze up it happens. If you have no water and suspect your pipes are frozen, we strongly recommend not tampering with them and call a plumber. There have been instances of consumers trying to heat pipes on their own, which can, in turn cause more damage.

If a pipe has burst, the first thing to do is automatically go to the shut off valve and turn the water off. That will stop the water from making any more damage. Then call in a plumber to fix the pipe.

 

What is Radiant Heat?

What is Radiant Heat?

Radiant heat is a fast growing trend that started in Europe for its distinct benefits. Instead of warming air and then circulating it throughout your home using ducts and vents, radiant heat is embedded under your floor and uses the entire floor to evenly distribute low-temperature heat.

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Although there are a variety of methods and technologies one can choose from, the benefits of radiant heat are the same.

Here are few of most popular reasons to use radiant heat:

Radiant heat warms objects rather than air to create a more even heat throughout your home. Starting with the floor, objects are warmed giving your home a more inviting feeling as your furniture and other fixtures lose their chill. Now, the common complaint of cold feet is cured by heating your floor and letting that heat naturally radiate throughout the room instead of collecting at the ceiling.

Radiant heat is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, basements, bedrooms or a complete home. Unlike other forms of heat you can easily ‘zone’ individual areas. Each of these zones can be controlled by its own programmable thermostat. Now you can designate specific times of the day and desired temperatures for these areas making your home energy efficient without sacrificing comfort.

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Radiant heat can be used to add supplemental heat to a bathroom or throughout your home as a primary heating source. Contact Bee & Jay to discuss your options.

Welcome to Bee and Jay on WordPress

Welcome to Bee and Jay on WordPress

Welcome to Bee and Jay Plumbing on WordPress!

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