You may think your whole pipes framework is in flawless condition and there is next to zero shot of a pipe blasting and flooding your home. There is one circumstance, be that as it may, you might not have considered. Water that stops amid the winter in an unprotected pipe extends, and that development can break a generally stable pipe.

A solidified pipe is dependably a bother, yet it can really bring about a substantially more significant circumstance than only a brief loss of water. By making the correct preventive strides, you may never need to stress over defrosting solidified funnels, or more regrettable, repairing a pipe that blasts when the water in it solidifies strong.

This is what to do in the event that you awaken some sub zero winter morning to discover a water pipe solidified solid:

Open spigot so steam delivered by your defrosting exercises will have the capacity to get away.

Start defrosting channel (see pipe-defrosting choices beneath) at spigot, and work back toward flip side of solidified segment. As you dissolve ice, water and steam will turn out open fixture. On the off chance that you began in the center, steam created by liquefying ice could get caught and develop enough weight to blast the pipe.

Pipe-defrosting choices: There are a few things you can do to defrost your home’s pipes. Here’s a rundown:

Likely the most famous and most secure pipe-defrosting alternative is to utilize boiling hot water. Wrap and secure a towel or burlap pack around the pipe and hold the warmth against it. Put basin under pipe to catch spillover water, and then pour hot or bubbling water over towel.

A less untidy yet much more dangerous warmth hotspot for defrosting solidified pipes is a propane burn outfitted with a fire spreader spout. With this warmth source, you should be amazingly watchful to keep fire from harming or touching off divider behind pipe. A piece of flame resistant material amongst pipe and divider is a decent prudent step, however the way you utilize the light is the fundamental component in safe pipe defrosting. Hold fire moving forward and backward. Never abandon it in one spot long. Be particularly cautious in case you’re close to any patched pipe joints. Ignore them rapidly or else they may soften and cause damage, and you’ll see that you will have a substantially more genuine pipes issue staring you in the face than a solidified pipe. Alert: Never utilize burn or direct high warmth on a plastic pipe.

On the off chance that you need to maintain a strategic distance from the chaos of defrosting with boiling hot water and the peril of softening bound joints with propane burn, attempt warm light or hair dryer as warmth source. These work less rapidly yet are much more secure.

To defrost a solidified drainpipe, expel trap, and embed length of garden hose into pipe. When you can’t push hose any more remote, it has likely achieved the ice. Raise your end of the hose and bolster high temp water in through a channel. Along these lines, the boiling point water is certain to get to the issue territory. You should be watchful when utilizing this procedure.

Until the ice melts and depletes down the pipe, the heated water you pour in will go down toward you. Have a container prepared to get the flood, and be mindful so as not to burn yourself.

Evidently, maybe the most widely recognized issue with pipes is noise.

As winter is soon approaching and the cold weather is setting in there are some things you want to keep in perspective for your plumbing system; specifically your pipes.

Frozen pipes can represent a genuine hazard to your home once the open-air temperature drops underneath solidifying. Water grows when it solidifies, and the weight this puts on a pipes pipe can crack the fixture end of a line. At the point when the climate warms up and the pipe defrosts, gallons of water will begin regurgitating out through the break. On the off chance that this happens, you’ll have a pipes crisis to manage, in addition to an untidy cleanup and exorbitant home repairs. You can keep away from these cerebral pains by taking some preventive measures before winter settles in.

There are steps you can take to secure powerless funnels, for example, those inside outside dividers, in unfinished territories like the storage room, storm cellar or carport, and those found outside.

Recognize at-hazard zones. Check for pipes in unheated territories of your home and cover them with tubular froth pipe protection. Fit it over the water lines under your washroom and kitchen sinks. On the off chance that there are open water pipes in your outside dividers, introduce warm link then protect.

Weatherize open-air water channels. To keep the hose napkin from solidifying, close the indoor shutoff valve then deplete the line by opening the outside nozzle. Leave the nozzle open so weight doesn’t develop, and cover the hose kiddie apron with a froth separator for an additional layer of assurance. In the event that you have a sprinkler framework or swimming pool, take after your producer’s directions to deplete the water supply lines.

There’s a more noteworthy possibility of funnels solidifying when it’s to a great degree frosty outside, so you ought to play it safe when a cool spell is anticipated.

Open the spigots marginally on your at-hazard lines to keep up a moderate dribble. Try not to dial back the indoor regulator temperature setting during the evening. Open the entryways on the lavatory and kitchen sink cupboards so hotter air can circle around the channels inside. In the event that there are water lines going through your carport, ensure the entryway is kept shut.

Pipes are just one area in regards to plumbing. In the USA, 757 billion gallons of water have been saved due to WaterSense rated, High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) since 2006. Secondly, The average family of four could save at least 16,000 gallons of water a year and more than $100 in water bills by updating to a 1.6 gpf model toilet; 1.28 gpf rated toilets would save an additional 650 gallons per year.

Being equipped and well-versed will with plumbing and pipe issues will help you to avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. There are ways around how to prevent water pipes in your home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze.

Why exactly is pipe freezing a Problem? Well water has an exclusive asset in that it enlarges as it freezes. This development puts a great amount of pressure on whatever is surrounding it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the “power” of a container, mounting water can cause pipes to burst. Pipes that freeze most regularly are those that are exposed to relentless cold, for example outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also inclined to freezing.

If you want to prevent frozen pipes, ahead of the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of water supply lines and pipes by following these suggestions:

Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following the company or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless you’re told to do so. Antifreeze is environmentally detrimental, and is dangerous to humans, pets and landscaping.

Remove, drain, and store hoses that are used outdoors. Secure inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

It is crucial that you check around your home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under your kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be protected from cold weather.

Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a “pipe sleeve” Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes.

During cold weather, take preventative acts. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold-water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may sustain a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst. If you’re planning to travel outside the country during the winter time, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

It is important to know how to thaw frozen pipes. If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call Anta Plumbing.
Looking for future protection? Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing. Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

Do you want to know deep down what happens with water damage? Well ACR has the statistics for you.

– Water damage is one of the highest filed claims in the U.S.
– 37% of homeowners have filed water damage through of their insurance company
– 250 gallons of water leak from a 1/8 inch crack in a pipe daily
– 93% of water damage is preventable had precautions been taken
– The standard residential insurance claim for damage from a pipe breaking is over $100,000

Imagine trying to get ready to brush your teeth before work, but there’s no water coming out of the faucet. That’s the least of your worries when you have a frozen pipe, and it’s not the worst that can happen. During winter, we here at Anta Plumbing receive countless calls for frozen pipes. Homeowners are used to Toronto plumbing and how the weather affects our potable water systems, but that doesn’t make frozen pipes any less dangerous. One of the most common things that happens to a frozen pipe is the fact that it tends to burst, flooding your entire home and causing a fortune in repairs.

If losing precious belongings and having to replace floorboards, ceilings and drywall is not bad enough, consider the fact that it can also result in house fires and ultimately, death.

How does that work? Every winter, thousands of pipes become frozen across Canada, even when people take some precautions and winterize their homes. When temperatures drop, pipes contract and water freezes inside, obstructing its normal flow and resulting in no water coming out of the faucets.

When they are in a bind, homeowners will try anything to make the water flow normally again, including:

Using heated tape – This is a good idea, provided it is installed properly, preferably beforehand.

Applying hot towels – Another great idea, which does take time to yield results.

Applying open flame – This is a very bad idea.

Every year, frozen pipes result in house fires or flooding, and thousands of dollars in damages. Homeowners have died when applying blow torches to their frozen water pipes, and homes have burned to the ground. That is why we at Anta Plumbing urge you to steer away from open flame when you have frozen pipes, and to never use electrical appliances in a flooded home.

Instead, follow these guidelines when your pipes freeze:

1. Leave the faucet open. As you apply heat to the frozen pipe, and the ice starts to melt, water will start flowing through and start melting ice along the pipeline.

2. If you have a burst pipe, shut off the main water supply and leave the faucet open until the repairs have been completed. The best way to do it, is to slowly apply heat, starting from the faucet and working your way toward the coldest part of the pipe. You can use a handheld hair dryer, but do not stand in water.

3. If your home floods, turn off the electrical supply as soon as possible to prevent electrical fires when water enters the low-level outlets.

Call Anta Plumbing immediately if you need help with frozen pipes in the Greater Toronto Area. We have experience with all types of plumbing emergencies and we have seen first-hand the dangers of frozen pipes. Don’t put your family at risk. Rather let the experts thaw your pipes professionally using the right equipment. Anta Plumbing is available 24/7 and can assist with your frozen pipes.

It would seem as though this winter is never going to end. On February 17th, the National Post and CBC reported how the recent cold snap caused a deluge of broken water mains and burst pipes. Here at Anta Plumbing, we’ve worked tirelessly to restore as many services every day as we possibly can, and would like to thank our clients for the hot cups of coffee when we needed it most.

Earlier this month, temperatures dropped below -20 for several days, taking its toll on homes and business premises across the city, and costing thousands in repairs. On average, the damage from a burst pipe could result in more than $5,000 in repairs.

In less than a week, there were more than 48 water main breaks, due to the increased pressure on an already aging infrastructure. Even City Hall was victim to the frigid temperatures, as a water pipe in the east tower broke overnight, soaking elevator shafts and offices. However, this year (so far) is nothing in comparison to last year, when cold weather resulted in 1,600 water main breaks.

Dealing With Frozen Pipes (and avoiding costly repairs!)

These tips should help you save money on potential damages.

Be Prepared by Stocking Up on Supplies
Turn Up the Heat
Monitor the Situation

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Dealing With Frozen Pipes (and avoiding costly repairs!)

Property owners in Canada are responsible for their water meters and water pipes, and have to take the necessary steps to ensure that these items are protected from damage. This also applies to unoccupied buildings. If you own a vacant building without heat, call the City to shut off the water supply to the premises.

Obviously, winterization is the first step in avoiding frozen pipes and water meters. While it is too late to apply some of these tips right now, it would be smart to get it done before next winter.

These tips should help you save money on potential damages.

Be Prepared by Stocking Up on Supplies

Use foam insulation to block foundation vents that lead to crawl spaces. Know where your water shutoff is located.

Buy a temporary patch kit from your local home center. This can be used to seal off burst pipes until your plumber arrives.

Turn Up the Heat

It’s not the time to worry about heating bills when a cold snap is bearing down on the city. Turn up the thermostat to increase air pressure in your crawl spaces. Ensure that the temperature in your home and basement never goes below 32F.

You can also keep the cold out by:

• closing doors and windows tightly, and fill gaps around windows with spray foam insulation. Use pipe insulation to fill the gaps under doors.
• protect water meters and pips from cold drafts.
• install storm windows over your basement windows.
• turn off the water supply to garden hose connections before the freezing temperatures arrive.

Monitor the Situation

Once the cold snap is here, allow a faucet to drip ever so slightly, as this can help eliminate freezing.

The first sign of frozen pipes, is reduced water pressure. Check the pipes before you go to sleep and again first thing in the morning. Be particularly vigilant for freezing in unheated areas, near crawl spaces and exterior walls, and around the water meter.

What to Do When a Pipe is Frozen

You should take great care when pipes freeze in or around your home, as it can cause fires and even death. However, there are some ways in which you can safely thaw frozen pipes.

• Heat a pot of water on the stove and soak rags or towels in it, before wrapping the towels around frozen sections of pipe.
• Place a space heater near the frozen pipe, but be sure to avoid using any electrical appliances near standing water and don’t use a blowtorch to frozen pipes.
• When thawing frozen pipes, start with the section nearest to the faucet, ensuring that the faucet is turned on in order for water to drip out.

If you’re unsure of anything, or if you are facing a plumbing emergency, call Anta Plumbing right away.

While going away on the holidays is a fun for the family, it is is necessary to leave your home in the safest condition possible so that when you return, it is still in one piece. While you might be quick to cancel newspaper and milk deliveries, it is equally important to address the plumbing in the home to avoid major damage and unnecessary expense to yourself. Living in a cold climate such as that of Toronto, can lead to frozen and burst water pipes that are expensive to repair. It is far wiser to take these simple steps to prevent you from having to deal with the trauma of frozen pipes – or worse – on your return from holiday celebrations.

Burst Water Pipes Burst Your Wallet

The harsh and extreme winters that we face in Toronto can cause water to freeze up in your pipes (Remember last year? It was the worst polar vortex in 100 years!) Frozen pipes that burst can cause your home to flood, and unless it is dried up within the first 24 hours, may lead to significant and costly damage and in the long term, mold. Your water bill will also increase significantly with every drop of water wasted. You will incur costs in repairing and replacing damaged household goods. While you are most likely insured, it is preferable to prevent this type of damage in order to save money, hassle and inconvenience.

Rather Safe than Sorry

Our master plumber recommends a number of precautions that you can take in order to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Implementing these strategies will go a long way towards saving your water pipes and avoiding the unnecessary waste of water.

• You can install an emergency water shut-off device, which turns off the water supply in the event of a burst pipe.
• Insulate the external condensing pipe of your hot water heater, as this can slow down the process of frozen pipes.
• You must get your City of Toronto licensed plumber to service your heating system or boiler at least once every 12 months to ensure that the system is working efficiently and to slow down the process of water freezing in your home. Make sure the thermostat is not faulty and speak to a qualified plumber about the merits of adding antifreeze to your the boiler.
• Insulating your external pipes might not be enough to prevent the water from freezing. You may want to consider adding additional trace heating by wrapping the thermostat with the trace heating under the lagging.
• Not all older water storage tanks are insulated. Get your plumber to check the tank and add a hot water jacket to it, if necessary.
• Try to generate as much warm air in your home as possible by leaving the bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to permit warmer air to circulate around the pipes..
  Replace old washers on any dripping faucets to prevent freezing water from blocking the pipes.
• If possible, shut off the supply of water to any outside faucets and drain the system, as this will help slow down the process of water freezing in these pipes. Be sure to drain any hoses and roll them up for the winter.

Implementing the above steps can go a long way towards preventing hassles when you return home from holiday celebrations or visits. As an added precaution, if you’re planning on being away from home for more than 2 days, you could always ask a friendly neighbor to check in on your house while you are away. This should ensure that you come back to an intact home and you a ready take on the next year with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Anta Plumbing offers a range of plumbing inspection and winterization services to help protect your plumbing this winter.

Love it or hate it, the polar vortex is about to blast North America with its frosty temperatures. Every winter sees thousands of homeowners with homes damaged by ruptured, frozen pipes, causing flooding and more. When pipes become frozen, they swell up, causing bulges and cracks. At times, frozen pipes might even look fine on the outside, as not all leaks are visible, however, the moment they are thawed, they start pouring water into the home, damaging walls, floors and ceilings.

It doesn’t take much for exposed pipes to freeze, and when they do, it can lead to major headaches.

Diagnosing Frozen Pipes

The first sign of a frozen pipe is usually lower-than-normal water pressure. If you notice this, check your pipes. A blockage can also cause a backup to worsen the situation.

Frozen pipes that are visible under the counter or inside cabinets may even have frost accumulation on the outside.

If you have no water, that’s already a sign of serious plumbing trouble, and that’s why we recommend that you properly winterize your plumbing before the polar vortex arrives in full force.

The American Red Cross shared some tips on how homeowners can prevent frozen pipes:

• Drain sprinkler supply lines and swimming pools using the directions provided by the installer or manufacturer.
• Drain, remove and store hoses, and close valves that supply the hose bibs. Allow the outside hose bibs to drain by leaving the outside valves open.
• Locate all water supply lines in unheated areas, such as the attic, under the bathroom and kitchen cabinets, in crawl spaces and in the basement. Insulate both the hot and cold water pipes in the unheated areas.
• Install heat cable or other insulation materials on exposed water pipes.

Prevention Beats Heating Frozen Pipes

Last year saw many homes flooded as the result of frozen pipes, and some homes burned down when owners tried to thaw the pipes using open flame. There are many precautions that you can take right now to prevent frozen pipes and save yourself the hassle and the risks associated with thawing your water supply lines.

1. Heating Cables

Heating cables can help to prevent damage before it occurs.

Heating cables deliver an effective freeze protection system, which works in conjunction with an energy saving thermostat. It turns on when the temperature inside your pipes drops below freezing. This in-line heating system protects your drain pipes and water supply using self-regulating cables and constant wattage.

2. Freeze Free Cable Plug

Designed to protect your plastic or metal residential water supply, the freeze free cable plug is installed in drain pipes that might be vulnerable to freezing, as well as water supply lines located underneath buildings that are not used on a regular basis.

3. Pipe Freeze Prevention In-Line Heater

The inline heater cable is ideal for preventing frozen pipes that form part of potable water supply lines to homes from springs or reservoirs.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Step 1: Open the faucet on the frozen line to help start melting the ice and relieve pressure.

Step 2: Heat your frozen pipe, using one of these safe options:

• Soak towels in hot water and wrap them around the pipe.
• Apply a handheld hair dryer to the frozen section of pipe (ensure that the electrical socket is grounded!)
• Apply electrical heating tape (ensure that the electrical socket is grounded!)

As a general rule, on extremely cold nights, allow cold water to gently trickle from the kitchen faucet, as moving water won’t freeze, and keep warm air circulating in the home.

If, after taking all these precautions, you still have frozen pipes, please call us at 416-231-3331 We use advanced methods to thaw frozen pipes safely and efficiently.

Winter will soon make its presence known in Canada, and now is the best time to start preparing your plumbing system to help prevent frozen pipes. Every year, winter wreaks havoc in homes all over the city. Frozen pipes are common in households, and in the coldest parts of winter, the frost penetrates the ground deep down to where the mains are, causing them to break under pressure. Don’t be a victim this year! By using the tips in this post, you will be able to prevent frozen pipes early on already.

The Risks That Frozen Pipes Pose

Frozen water expands, which is why frozen pipes often burst. A burst pipe can cause more problems, especially when the water escapes and causes damage to your walls, furniture, walls, carpets, and floor joints. Apart from the imminent damage, it can lead to the growth of mildew and mold, which can pose serious health risks.

The pipes in your attic or outside your home are most exposed, posing the biggest risk of becoming frozen.

How Do I Know I Have Frozen Pipes?

If it’s cold and no water comes out when you turn on the faucet, you likely have frozen pipes. You should call a Toronto Plumber right away.

When you have a burst pipe, you should turn the main water valve off right away, and keep the faucets open until the plumber has repaired the burst pipe.
Preventing Frozen Pipes and Burst Pipes

Prevention starts right now, if you don’t want frozen pipes or burst pipes this winter. If you’re planning on being out of town, your pipes should be prepared for winter now. You should drain the entire system of water before you leave, by shutting off the mains and opening the faucets. Insulation will also go a long way to preventing frozen pipes. Some homeowners have gone as far as to calling a Toronto master plumber to relocate their pipes.

Here are some of our best tips for preventing frozen pipes:

1. When there is an increased risk of freezing, run your water to keep the pipes from freezing. You can run it at around 1.4 or 0.5cm during mid-April. The cost for the extra water will come to around $3 or $4, which is a lot less than repairing frozen pipes.

2. Keep your indoor air temperature above 8 degrees Celsius, especially in parts of the home that contain pipes, and around your meter.

3. Look for draughts in different areas of your home and find ways to prevent the cold air from flowing in those areas. Pay special attention to the garage, under bathroom and kitchen cabinets, in the garage, in the basement and crawl space.

4. Insulate both the cold and hot water pipes in the cooler areas of the home.

5. Install products that are made specifically for the purpose of insulating water pipes on exposed pipes.

6. Learn how to use your shut-off valve.

7. Keep the garage door closed during very cold spells and be sure that the pipes are insulated there too.

8. Warm your home up by insulating cooler areas, ensuring that doors close properly and by repairing broken windows.

9. Winterize your outside faucets by turning off the supply line and disconnecting hoses. The line should be drained.

Don’t take a chance hoping that this year won’t be too cold. For a few bucks, you could get your home insulated and winterized, saving you thousands of dollars in potential damages due to frozen pipes. Call Anta Plumbing for assistance and expert advice.