When Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

Pipes Freezing Solution By Leone PlumbingPipes freezing during the winter season can bring trouble to your plumbing system. How long can your pipes stand the freezing temperature and when should you be worried about pipes freezing? Let’s talk about the issue that freezing pipes can bring and the precautions that everyone can take.

Why Do Water Pipes Freeze And Burst During The Winter?

One plumbing issue to watch out for during the winter season is the bursting of pipes. A pipe may burst if it is not able to handle the pressure that arises from freezing water. During winter, the water inside the line expands as it slowly freezes. While it gets close to freezing, the pressure inside the pipe increases. If the water pressure gets too high for the pipe to handle, it will indeed rupture! The freezing water causes the lines to contract and the weak areas of the pipe may burst. It is recommended that you get your pipes checked and repaired before the winter season.

Should I Be Worried About Pipes Freezing?

If the outside temperature is at less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should be worried about pipes freezing! Water begins to freeze as the temperature drops which causes the pipes to freeze. Cold winds can also freeze the pipes. Pipes with cracks or holes allow the cold air from the outside to blow in and may cause ice formation. Once the pipe is freezing, it is at risk of bursting, resulting in leaks and unexpected flooding. But don’t let these scenarios worry you. There are precautions that you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting.

Precautions To Prevent Pipes From Freezing And Bursting

The contraction of pipes caused by the cold weather is something that we cannot control which may cause leaks. However, there is something you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here are some of the precautions you can follow:
  • 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.
  • 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 incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, and set it to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

Protect Your Pipes From Bursting This Winter

The winter season can be fun without being worried about your plumbing system. Preventive measures can alleviate the concern you have with pipes freezing. If you’re dealing with a burst pipe or water leak this winter, just contact us and we are here to help you!
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The Pros and Cons of Installing a Sharkbite Fitting on Pipes

  Leone Plumbing's take about installing a sharkbite fittingSharkbite fittings have been a revolutionary innovation when it comes to plumbing repairs. Installing a sharkbite fitting is simple to use and convenient. In minutes, you can easily connect or fix leaks without soldering and replacing the pipes. However, if you ask professional plumbers, soldering pipes is still better. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of installing a sharkbite fitting to determine which is best for you.

Sharkbite Fittings vs Soldering Pipes

A sharkbite fitting may become loose over time if not properly installed. There has been cases where homeowners call because their home is flooded due to a sharkbite fitting popped off. From a professional standpoint, we strongly recommend soldering pipes since it is a proven effective option. Push-fit fittings (like sharkbite fitting) don’t have the credibility that soldering has. Soldering pipes have been around for a long time before the trend of using push-fit fittings. Some people believe installing a sharkbite fitting is much more convenient than soldering. In this case, whether you solder the pipes or use a sharkbite fitting, there are factors that you need to look at such as:
Your skill and level of experience
Soldering a pipe requires a level of skill and experience like a professional. A professional plumber have mastered the skill of soldering pipes over the years. You may do soldering yourself by purchasing the required tools, but it may lead to a low-quality output which can worsen the problem. For a non-professional, it’s the right choice to use a sharkbite fitting since it is easy to install.
Place of the repair
Installing a sharkbite fitting would be effective in easily accessible places like below the sink or on a water heater connection. Soldering is recommended for hard-to-reach places like underground or behind walls since these places are unnoticeable and we have to ensure that the pipe connections are secured. Push-fit fittings are not recommended in hard-to-reach places since their failure rate is high. Fixing pipes underground or behind walls can be challenging and you should never resort to DIY fixing.
Your budget
Installing a sharkbite fitting is indeed a quick fix and much more convenient. However, convenience always comes at a cost. For a standard half-inch pipe, it may cost you $8.00 to $10.00 per fitting. For a basic copper fitting, it can cost up to $5.00 for the same size. If there are several fittings to replace, the cost difference may add up quickly. Soldering pipes on the other hand may cost less than installing sharbite fitting and it’s a long-term solution.

Choose An Option That Fits Your Needs

Installing a sharkbite fitting is a convenient and quick-fix solution. But if you opt for a long-term solution, soldering is the best option due to its credibility and result. Copper pipes may last 50 to 70 years as long as it is installed properly and well-maintained. If you are unsure about your decision, you can contact us and we are here to help you!
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All You Need To Know About Replacing Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene Pipes Replacement Services By Leone PlumbingWhen it comes to house renovation, one important aspect that a homeowner has to look into is the plumbing system. In the process of renovation, you may uncover plumbing issues that have to be dealt with such as obsolete pipes. Homes that are built before 1995 may have used polybutylene pipes that are outdated and have to be replaced.

Why Does It Matter To Replace Polybutylene Pipes?

If your home is built back in the mid-70s to mid-90s, you may have polybutylene piping underground. It really matters to replace polybutylene pipes due to the high risk of bursts or leaking with this type of piping. There is even a history of lawsuits filed to stop the usage of polybutylene piping due to the damages it caused. It could be a long-term problem if this type of pipe isn’t replaced. Leaking old pipes allows water to pool up inside ceilings and walls which can be a breeding ground for molds. Aside from the health hazard due to molds, leaking pipes can also increase your water bill!

How Can You Tell If Your Home Has Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene pipes are known for their blue color trademark. However, they are also available in colors black and gray. But the surest identifier of polybutylene piping is a stamp that says “PB2110”. Another way that you can find polybutylene pipes is in places where they are commonly located. They are installed as water supply lines only and you can’t find them as vent pipes or drain. These are the places in your home where you can find them. Leone Plumbing Polybutylene Pipes Replacement Services
  • At your main shutoff valve
  • Connected to your water heater
  • Attached to sinks and toilets
  • At the ceiling of your basement where pipes are exposed
 

Why Do You Need To Replace Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene (Poly B) piping is known as a cheap and easy solution. However, it was later found out that polybutylene piping could not withstand harsh disinfectants in the public water supply such as chlorine. Over time, polybutylene pipes may corrode and crack which will cause leaks. Leaks caused by leaking Poly B pipes are difficult to detect immediately (since it’s underneath) until you experience the damages it brings. Since Poly B pipes have a high risk to burst or leak, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends that homes with Poly B piping get their plumbing system replaced.

Replacements for Poly B Pipes

The suitable replacements for Poly B pipes are copper pipe, PEX tubing, and PVC pipe. There are factors and considerations as well as which ones to pick. It would be best if you speak with an expert to help you assess your old pipes and what would be your best option. Contact us today so our experts can help you! We have options to offer that are easy on your budget and we even have financing options available for you.    
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Tree Root Removal Solution For Stubborn Clogs

Leone Plumbing Professional Tree Root RemovalAre you annoyed with the persistent clogs on your toilet, bathtub, or sink drain? Despite rigorous efforts to remove clogs such as toilet papers, baby wipes, hairs, or dirt, there is still something clogging your plumbing system. There can be a real problem here! Roots may be invading your pipes which require professional tree root removal.

The Impact Of Tree Root Invasion On Your Plumbing System

Once tree roots start to get in your pipes or drains, expect that serious clogging will come next. Tree roots are considered “silent killers” that gradually destroy the drainage system without the homeowner knowing it. The presence of roots on pipes can invite other materials to clog like toilet papers, baby wipes, hair, or dirt. The worst scenario you can experience with tree root invasion is the flooding of sewage in your basement. The better way to deal with this problem is through professional tree root removal by an expert plumber.

How Do I Know If There Are Tree Roots On My Pipes?

If there are trees or shrubs nearby, always assume that they can invade your drains and pipes. If you experience the following signs, ask a professional plumber to check if roots are beginning to invade your plumbing system.
Slow Drains
Small roots can get hold of tissues, hairs, and tiny stuff that can accumulate over time which can cause clogs. This can slow the drains and you need to get this inspected and treated.
Slow Flushing Toilet And Sewage Backup
If you experience these signs with gurgling noise when you flush, it can be a sign that roots have entered the pipes.
Clogged Pipes
Root obstruction can clog the pipes which can lead to serious problems such as sewage backup and basement flooding.
Unpleasant Smell
Roots can trap unpleasant substances on your drain like food waste and even dead animals. Once these substances are trapped and start to decompose, they can produce nasty odors which can be so annoying.

Professional Tree Root Removal Solution

Tree root removal from a plumbing system requires professional handling. If not handled professionally, it can lead to other complications which will cause you more money due to major plumbing repairs. A licensed plumber is capable of doing tree root removal by using high-definition and innovative equipment such as sewage cameras. A sewage camera can help locate tree roots inside your pipes. Then, a specialized hydro jetting hose will be inserted into the pipes and send pressurized water to wash away the roots and other clogs. A snake machine with a “cutter tip” is also used to snake the line and cut away any residual tree roots. After that, pipes can be treated with trenchless repair solutions to restore and strengthen your plumbing system. Professional Tree Root Removal Solution By Leone Plumbing

Seek Professional Help For Tree Root Removal

To deal with invading roots, you need to seek help from a professional plumber. Do not allow those annoying tree roots to destroy your plumbing system! Contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
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The Advantages Of Hydro Jetting To Unclog A Drain

Leone Plumbing Hydro Jetting Services It’s not fun to encounter clogged or slow drains. At some point, a homeowner experiences the hassle of dealing with stubborn clogs! Blockage such as grease, minerals, and other debris can create a large mess that can ruin your day. There are many ways to unclog a drain, but for the most stubborn blockages, the best solution is hydro jetting.

What Is Hydro Jetting And Why Is It Highly Recommended To Unclog A Drain?

Hydro Jetting is an effective method to remove dirt buildup on surfaces and also clogs on pipes. This method uses high-velocity water pressure which is injected into pipes using advanced equipment, special hoses, and jet nozzle. The hydro jetting system can work at pressures of as low as 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi) to as high as 60,000 psi (414 MPa), depending on the work to be done. We highly recommend hydro jetting to unclog the drain because of the following advantages.
Extremely Effective In Cleaning Pipes
Hydro jetting requires the use of a high-powered pressure washer in order to unclog a drain. The pressurized stream of water is effective to get rid of any clogs and dirt buildup on pipes. This method is long-lasting compared to snaking and it’s a perfect choice for any size or type of pipe.
It’s Cost-Effective
You can definitely save more money with hydro jetting. This method enables plumbers to clear the drain without opening up the pipes or resorting to expensive and tedious digging. You will yield additional savings with hydro jetting because it prevents future issues such as persistent clogs, water backups, and the risk of pipes bursting.Leone Plumbing Unclog Drain Services
Environmentally Safe
Since hydro jetting only uses a pressurized stream of water, there is no need to use harmful chemicals that can damage plants, trees, or contaminate nearby water sources.
It’s More Sanitary
Using conventional plumbing methods increases the risk of coming in contact with sewage debris. This is not the case with hydro jetting since the plumber will minimize contact with sewage and spend less time unclogging the drain.
More Flexibility
To unclog a drain with hydro jetting doesn’t require digging underground or opening walls. It can clean hard-to-reach areas of your pipes without exposing your home piping system. This method is also ideal for older homes where plumbing is less accessible and fragile as well. It’s safe and won’t damage pipes despite the high water pressures.

Need Help To Unclog A Drain?

We can help to resolve clogged drains in no time through the hydro jetting method. Contact us today to know more about hydro jetting, and to schedule an appointment.              

Photo Credit: “Pipes” from Canva 

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