From Frozen Pipes to Warm & Cozy: How Aaron Plumbing Saved the Day
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Winter can bring cozy nights by the fire and the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, but it can also come with its fair share of plumbing problems. Frozen pipes are one of the most common and damaging issues homeowners face during cold weather. At Aaron Services, we recently stepped in to help a customer in Smyrna, GA, who experienced the nightmare of frozen pipes that burst, leading to a significant water leak. Here’s how we handled the situation and how you can prevent it from happening in your home.
The Frozen Pipe Emergency
One frigid morning, we received a call from a distressed customer. An innocent looking outside spigot, or hose bibb, was causing major water damage to their home. Their pipes had frozen overnight due to the extreme cold, and unfortunately, the expanding ice caused a pipe to burst. By the time the homeowner noticed, water was leaking into their home, causing damage and panic.
The culprit: Pipes Going to a Frozen Outdoor Faucet
This hose bibb, or outdoor faucet, looks innocent enough. The pipes supplying this faucet with water run along an exterior wall of the home. These pipes are exposed to colder temperatures than those on interior walls, and are therefore prone to freezing. While there are some prevantative measures a homeowner can take to protect these pipes, it’s common for pipes in this situation to freeze and break.
We understand how overwhelming situations like this can be, and our team quickly jumped into action. With our years of experience and commitment to customer satisfaction, we turned a chaotic situation into a calm, manageable process.
How We Resolved the Problem
When we arrived, we first shut off the main water supply to stop the leak. Next, we drained the remaining water from the system to prevent further damage and ensured the affected area was dry. Upon assessing the situation, we found that the customer had CPVC piping, which is particularly prone to becoming brittle over time. CPVC is known for cracking and breaking under stress, making it a common culprit in flooding incidents.
To address this, we replaced the damaged section with modern, durable piping materials that offer greater reliability and longevity. By upgrading the older pipes, we provided the customer with peace of mind and reduced the likelihood of future issues. Finally, we insulated the pipes with professional-grade materials to protect them from extreme temperatures and prevent freezing in the future.
By the time we were finished, the homeowner was no longer worried about water leaks. Instead, they were enjoying the peace of mind that comes with properly insulated pipes and a reliable plumbing system.
Why Do Pipes Freeze?
When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside your pipes can freeze. As water freezes, it expands, putting tremendous pressure on the pipe walls. If the pressure becomes too much, the pipe can crack or burst, leading to water leaks and potential flooding. Pipes in unheated areas, such as basements, attics, and garages, are especially vulnerable.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Preventing frozen pipes is much easier (and less stressful!) than dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe. Simple measures like insulating exposed pipes, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature, sealing drafts, and draining outdoor faucets can go a long way. Allowing faucets to drip and opening cabinet doors to circulate warm air around pipes can also help protect your plumbing. For additional safety, installing a smart leak detector provides early warnings of potential issues. Check out our frozen pipes prevention guide for free and cheap ways to keep your home save.
Why Insulation Matters
Insulating your pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent freezing. High-quality insulation keeps cold air away from your plumbing and helps maintain a steady temperature. At Aaron Services, we use professional-grade insulation to ensure long-lasting protection.
Here, our technician installed insulation along the pipe. With this pipe running along an exterior wall of the home, there was virtually no protection from the cold prior to our visit. With a few access points, some modern piping materials and protective insulation, the customer’s home is now safe from cold winter temperature drops.
The Cost of Inaction
The cost of ignoring frozen pipes can be steep. Avoiding frozen pipes is virtually free, while a single burst pipe can cause thousands of dollars in water damage to your home, including ruined flooring, walls, and personal belongings. Preemptively replacing older, problematic pipes, especially on exterior walls of a home, and insulating these pipes is also significantly less expensive than dealing with water damage. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Additionally, you may face higher water bills and expensive emergency repairs. Taking preventative steps now can save you significant time, money, and stress.
Trust Aaron Services to Keep Your Home Safe
At Aaron Services, we specialize in protecting homes from winter’s harsh effects. As a family-owned and operated business with over 45 years of experience, we’re dedicated to providing honest, high-quality service you can rely on. When it comes to plumbing, heating, and cooling, your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
If you’re worried about frozen pipes or want to take preventative steps, give us a call. Our expert technicians are here to help with pipe insulation, repairs, and maintenance. We’ll make sure your home is ready for whatever winter throws your way.
Don’t Let the Cold Catch You Off Guard
Our recent cold snap is a reminder that winter weather can strike fast and hard. Don’t wait until a frozen pipe turns into a water leak. Take action now to protect your home and enjoy peace of mind all season long.
For more tips and professional plumbing services, trust Aaron Services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can keep your home safe and cozy this winter.
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