There is nothing like a cold morning to put you in mind of your plumbing: you are at the faucet and there is no water. Or perhaps the thought of a hard freeze has you concerned over a burst pipe and the prospect of a flooded floor. You would be better off knowing what to do before winter makes its way in so as to sidestep an unseemly repair bill.
We of Harmon Plumbing know all too well how a frozen pipe can become a costly affair in short order. As a family-run, local concern we have been of service to the Durham area and the rest of the Research Triangle for both commercial and residential clients since 1989. Give us a ring at (984) 646-6770 if you want some advice or assistance ahead of the cold weather.
The reality of it in North Carolina is that while we are not subject to the kind of protracted, severe winters found elsewhere in the country, that can be a disadvantage. A lot of homes in the Triangle were not designed for a deep freeze. An unannounced cold spell will find any exposed or under-insulated pipe and the resulting expansion of the freezing water puts enough pressure to crack one you would not have given a second thought.
Why the price tag on a frozen pipe repair is what it is
When a pipe goes and bursts it is seldom confined to the pipe itself. There is more to it than a section of line once the water starts running amok.
Consider the expense after a failure:
- The emergency labor required to put in a new section of pipe
- Water damage done to baseboards, cabinets, flooring and drywall
- Should the leak go unnoticed for a while, mold remediation
- Any furniture or other items that are ruined
- A higher water bill for hours or days of leakage
- The stress and time of having to oversee several repairs
Then there is the matter of winterizing in advance. It is much less of an outlay than having to replace a floor and rip out a wall.
Winterizing made simple
Most of the prep work can be done by the homeowner with a bit of effort come fall and you will have a season without worry. Put in place the following before it really turns cold:
- Put insulation on any pipes left exposed in the attic, garage, crawl space or on an outside wall
- Take down the garden hoses and drain the outdoor spigots
- Close up any gaps and cracks in the vicinity of your pipes
- On the coldest of nights put a slow drip on the faucet to keep things moving
- Under the sink open the cabinet to let in some warm air
- Make sure you are familiar with the location of the main shutoff valve in case of an emergency
Your water heater should not be overlooked either. An old one will have trouble coping with the demands of the cold; an inspection will reveal minor problems before they leave you without hot water when you need it most.
For the professional touch
Some of this is not a job for the do-it-yourselfer. We have certified plumbers who will put your system through its paces and find the weak spots. This includes older plumbing with a propensity for trouble or a home with a past of leaks. We provide leak detection, repiping and the like throughout Durham, Cary, Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Hillsborough, Morrisville and the rest of the Triangle. Should you have a burst pipe our 24/7 service is there so you do not have to wait until morning.
We put our mind to plumbing and only plumbing. That is why you get a team that is well versed in these systems. We are members in good standing with the National Federation of Independent Business and will give you a free estimate so there are no surprises. For those who wish to use Synchrony financing we can put together a flexible plan with a simple application and fast approval.
Our customer service is available around the clock and the office is open seven days a week between 7:00am and 8:00pm.
Let not a frozen pipe be your reminder of the season. To have your home in good order all winter long, call Harmon Plumbing at (984) 646-6770 for an inspection.