Tag Archives: frozen pipe repair

Apr '24

How to Get Tree Roots Out Of Drain Pipes In Illinois

If you’re a homeowner in Illinois facing this common issue, you’ve come to the right place. Dealing with tree roots infiltrating your drain pipes can cause major plumbing problems, leading to clogs, backups, and even pipe damage. In this article, we’ll provide you with practical solutions to effectively remove tree roots from your drain pipes and prevent further issues. Whether you’re in Chicago, Springfield, or any other city in Illinois, these tips will help you maintain a healthy plumbing system.

Understanding the Problem

Before we dive into the methods of sewer tree root removal, it’s essential to understand why and how tree roots invade drain pipes. Trees rely on water and nutrients, and drain pipes provide an attractive source for them. Tree roots are capable of seeking out small cracks or openings in your pipes, and over time, they can grow inside, causing blockages and damaging the plumbing system.

Signs of Tree Root Invasion

Identifying the signs of tree root invasion early on can save you from significant plumbing headaches. Keep an eye out for the following indicators:

Slow drains: If you notice your sinks, bathtub, or toilet draining slowly, it could be a sign that tree roots are obstructing the flow.

Unpleasant odors: Foul smells coming from your drains or sewage backups are clear indications of tree root intrusion.

Gurgling sounds: Strange gurgling or bubbling noises when using your plumbing fixtures suggest that there’s an issue with your drain pipes.

Water backups: If water regularly backs up into your sinks, showers, or toilets, it’s likely due to tree root blockages.

Methods for Removing Tree Roots

Now that you’re aware of the problem, let’s explore effective methods to get rid of those stubborn tree roots:

1. Sewer Line Rodding

One of the most common methods for removing tree roots from drain pipes is by using a sewer rodding machine. This process involves inserting a flexible, rotating cable into the pipe to break up and remove the roots. This method is highly effective, especially for smaller root intrusions. In most cases you will need to call a local plumber to perform this service.

2. Hydro Jetting

Hydro jetting is a powerful and eco-friendly technique that utilizes high-pressure water to clear out tree roots and other obstructions. A specialized nozzle sprays water at high velocity, thoroughly scouring the drain pipes and stripping away the roots. Hydro jetting is particularly useful for larger root masses that may be harder to remove with mechanical methods. Unless you know what you are doing and can rent or borrow hydro jetting equipment, it is highly advisable to contact a professional plumber for this service.

3. Chemical Root Killers

Chemical root killers can be an option for less severe root invasions. These root-killing products contain herbicides that are poured into the drain and left to work their magic. The chemicals usually take some time to break down the roots, so patience is required. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and use these products responsibly.

4. Tree Removal

In some cases, the most effective solution is to remove or relocate the tree causing the problem. If you have a tree located close to your drain pipes, its roots are likely to continue infiltrating, no matter how many times you clear them out. Consult with a certified arborist or tree removal expert to assess the situation and make an informed decision.

a sewer rodding service to remove tree roots from a line.

One of the most common methods for removing tree roots from drain pipes is by using a sewer rodding machine.

Preventive Measures

While removing tree roots from your drain pipes is essential, it’s equally important to prevent their future invasion. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

Regular inspections: Schedule regular professional inspections of your plumbing system to identify any potential root intrusion issues before they become major problems.

Root barriers: Install physical or chemical root barriers near your drain pipes to prevent tree roots from reaching the plumbing system. These barriers redirect the roots away from the pipes or discourage their growth.

Proper tree selection and placement: If you’re planning to plant trees near your property, choose species with non-invasive root systems and plant them at a safe distance from your drain pipes.

Tree maintenance: Regularly maintain your trees by pruning their roots and branches. This helps control their growth and reduces the risk of root infiltration.

Professional landscaping: Consult a professional landscaper to design your outdoor space in a way that minimizes the potential for root intrusion into your drain pipes.

Dealing with tree roots in your drain pipes can be a stressful and challenging situation for homeowners in Illinois. However, with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively remove these roots and prevent future issues. Remember to consider the severity of the problem and consult with professionals if needed. By taking preventive measures, regularly maintaining your plumbing system, and being aware of the signs of root intrusion, you can keep your drain pipes clear and your plumbing system in optimal condition.

If you reside in the Chicagoland area and need assistance with removing roots from your pipes, contact us below!

Nov '23

Frozen Pipes Prevention and Repair: A Guide for Chicago Homeowners

As winter approaches, homeowners in Chicago face the dreaded threat of frozen pipes. Frozen pipes not only disrupt the daily routines of residents but can also lead to costly repairs and property damage. Therefore, it is crucial for Chicago homeowners to take preventive measures and know how to handle frozen pipes effectively.

The Dangers of Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can cause a multitude of problems for homeowners. When water freezes inside the pipes, it expands, putting pressure on the walls of the pipes. This pressure can lead to cracks or even bursts in the pipes, resulting in leaks and significant water damage once the water thaws and starts flowing again. The damage caused by frozen pipes can be extensive, requiring costly repairs and cleanup efforts.

Preventive Measures

Taking preventive measures is the best way to avoid the hassles and expenses of dealing with frozen pipes. Here are some steps that Chicago homeowners can take to prevent their pipes from freezing:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the most effective ways to prevent pipes from freezing is insulating them properly. Pay special attention to pipes in unheated areas such as basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect the pipes from extreme temperatures. Adequate insulation acts as a barrier, reducing the chances of encountering frozen pipes significantly.

2. Seal Air Leaks

Identify any drafts or air leaks near pipes and seal them. Cold air can easily enter through gaps and cracks, affecting the temperature of the pipes. Add weatherstripping or caulk around windows, doors, and crawl spaces to keep the cold air out and maintain a warmer environment around the pipes.

3. Let Faucets Drip

During extremely cold weather, allowing faucets to drip helps prevent pipes from freezing. Moving water is less likely to freeze compared to stagnant water. By letting the faucets drip slightly, you keep the water flowing, lowering the risk of frozen pipes.

4. Keep the Thermostat Set

Maintaining a consistent indoor temperature is crucial to preventing frozen pipes. During colder months, don’t set the thermostat too low or switch off the heating when you’re away from home. Instead, keep the temperature above 55°F (13°C) to ensure that the pipes stay warm enough, even in freezing conditions.

5. Open Cabinet Doors

If you have pipes located within kitchen or bathroom cabinets, open the doors to allow warm air to circulate around them. This technique is particularly useful for pipes that are against exterior walls, as they are more susceptible to freezing. By promoting air circulation, you effectively raise the temperature around the pipes and reduce the risk of freezing.

frozen pipes during wintertime in chicago.

Frozen pipes can wreak havoc on a home and cause significant damage if not addressed promptly.

What to Do If Your Pipes Freeze

Despite taking preventive measures, sometimes pipes can still freeze. If you find yourself with frozen pipes, it’s essential to know the proper steps to minimize damage and get the water flowing again. Here’s what you should do if your pipes freeze:

1. Keep the Faucets Open

When you suspect that your pipes have frozen, open the faucets connected to those pipes. This will relieve the pressure and give the water somewhere to go when it starts to thaw.

2. Apply Heat to the Frozen Pipe

Using a handheld hairdryer or a space heater, carefully apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe. Start by warming the pipe near the faucet and work your way towards the frozen area. Avoid using open flames or high temperatures that could damage the pipe. Once the pipe has thawed, keep the faucet open to allow the water to flow freely.

3. Call a Professional Plumber

If you’re unable to thaw the pipe or if you suspect that it has burst, it’s essential to call an emergency plumber immediately. Experienced plumbers have the expertise and specialized tools to handle frozen and burst pipes safely. They can assess the situation, make the necessary repairs, and help prevent future occurrences.

In Summary

Frozen pipes can wreak havoc on a home and cause significant damage if not addressed promptly. By taking preventive measures and knowing what to do in case of frozen pipes, Chicago homeowners can protect their properties and avoid costly repairs. Remember to insulate exposed pipes, seal air leaks, let faucets drip during extreme cold, and maintain a consistent indoor temperature. And if your pipes do freeze, keep the faucets open, apply gentle heat, and contact a professional plumber for assistance. With these precautions and actions, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle frozen pipes and ensure a smooth winter season for your home.

Jul '22

How to Thaw and Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Frozen water pipes are a constant threat during winter. If the only issue with frozen pipes is the temporary disruption of water supply to parts of your home, the problem would be easier to endure. But frozen water in your pipes can leave you with damaged pipes and expensive repairs, warns Liberty Real Estate Services.

Water expands when it freezes and can exert pressures of over 2000 pounds per square inch. This is enough force to rupture your pipe or, at the very least, weaken them. Typically, you don’t even know this is happening until the ice thaws and your home is suddenly flooded.

The result is damaged walls, ceilings, and floors that cost tens of thousands of dollars to repair. This problem mostly happens to pipes that are connected to outside-facing walls, pipes in under-the-sink cabinets, unheated basements or crawlspaces, and outdoor faucets.

What can you do if a pipe in your home is frozen but not ruptured? Is there a way to thaw the frozen pipe without damaging it? Yes, you can thaw a frozen pipe without damaging it. Below are the steps to do this, depending on the location of the pipe inside your home.

Frozen pipes inside walls

Pipes embedded in the walls or ceilings of your home may become frozen. Unfreezing them is harder than thawing pipes that are exposed. If you find that one of the pipes inside the walls or ceilings of the house is frozen, here is what you can do:

Turn up the heat in your entire home – Ensure you leave the cabinet door open if the frozen pipe is in a wall inside your bathroom or beneath the base cabinet for your kitchen sink or vanity. This will let warm air in your home carry heat to the wall.

Open up the wall section – If you cannot wait to let the heated air in your home defrost the pipe, maybe because you think a burst pipe is looming, use this solution. Cut the section of wall or ceiling directly above the pipe and use the same methods you would use to thaw an exposed pipe (explained in the next section).

Thawing exposed pipes that are frozen

If it is an exposed pipe, thawing it is easier since you can apply the steps above directly to the pipe. There are three ways to thaw exposed pipes. Regardless of the one you choose, always start by applying the heat from the faucet side of the pipe or the side closest to the water main and move forward to the frozen area.

Using a hair dryer – This method is the easiest and safest. The items you need are things you already have in the home. To help direct the heat to the backside of the pipe, place a cookie sheet behind the pipe. When defrosting a frozen pipe with a water heater, apply the heat using a sweeping motion across the frozen pipe section.

Use a portable heater – You may also thaw frozen pipes with a space heater. Turn the space heater to its highest setting and let it warm the air around the frozen pipe. Remember to open the doors of the cabinet if the pipe is in a cabinet under the kitchen sink or bathroom vanity.

Use an electrical heat tape – The third way to thaw frozen pipes is with a heat cable; a freeze protection cable you place directly on pipes to unfreeze them. To use the tape, attach it to the copper or plastic pipe with electrical tape, making sure the thermostat is directly on the pipe to sense its temperature.

How to prevent your pipes from freezing

The best way to deal with frozen pipes in your home is to not have them at all. After thawing the pipe, here are a few simple steps you can take to make sure you don’t have this problem ever again.

Keep faucets dripping – If it gets really cold and you think a pipe in your home might freeze, leave the faucet dripping to keep the water inside the pipes moving. This will prevent freezing.

Open the cabinet doors – Keep cabinet doors open to let warm air from the rest of the house circulate into the colder areas inside the cabinet. This will usually be sufficient to keep pipes from freezing.

Wrap the pipe with electrical heat tape – If a pipe is in the habit of freezing, wrap it permanently with electrical heat tape and turn on the heat if the weather starts to get cold.

Add insulation to pipes – To keep pipes in unheated spaces like basements and crawlspaces from freezing, wrap them with foam insulation. But this will only work if the rest of the room is not cold.

Install a permanent space heater – Permanently installing a space heater in unheated spaces in the home – garage, basement, and crawlspace – will keep exposed pipes or pipes inside the walls from freezing.

Disconnect garden hose in winter – If your faucet is not frost-proof, it will be vulnerable to freezing. Prevent this by turning off the water supply to the faucet and removing the garden hoses connected to it. If the outdoor faucet freezes it may need a repair or replacement come Spring time.

Aug '21

How to Winterize a Rental Property and Prevent Frozen Pipes

How to Winterize a Rental Property and Prevent Frozen Pipes – No landlord ever wants to hear that a water pipe or the heater in their rental property has gone bust. Yet these are the kind of things that happen during winter. As Real Property Group warns, low temperatures in wintry weather subject a rental to stresses that may leave you with costly repairs.

But these problems can be prevented if you take the right actions before the icy winds of winter set in. It is possible to winter-proof your rental property and keep the home’s systems running smoothly throughout the cold season.

The set of proactive actions you take to preempt and prevent problems during winter in is known as winterizing a property. What are the steps for winterizing a rental property to keep pipes from bursting?

How to winterize a rental property

The first thing is to know the components of the home that are most likely to cause problems during winter. Here is a list of the places to pay attention to and the recommended steps to winterize them.

Water pipes

Water pipes are prone to freeze when temperatures get very low. To keep this from happening, wrap pipes in insulating foam pipe covers. This must be done for all pipes located in outside-facing walls. Also, seal holes and gaps around pipe entry points; these openings expose the pipes to extreme cold.

To keep outside pipes from freezing and bursting, turn off exterior faucets and protect them with insulated faucet covers. Remove and store outdoor hoses. Have the sprinkler system flushed by an expert.

Windows, doors, and outlets

Drafty windows and gaps around doors or outlets will result in heat loss. Seal all gaps by caulking them. Apply spray foam to seal gaps under window trim. Use shrink film insulation to seal windows. Apply weather stripping around the edges of doors. Seal openings around outlets with foam outlet insulation gaskets.

Window AC units

Remove window AC units, drain, and stow them away. This will let you seal the hole where the unit was more efficiently. It will also ensure snow does not pile up on the AC and put additional strain on windowsills. If you are unable to remove your ACs, using window air conditioner covers is the next best option.

HVAC systems

Replace the air filters in the HVAC to keep the system working optimally. Test run the furnace to make sure it is working as expected. Ideally, you should have the furnace inspected and serviced. If you use radiant heat, bleed your steam valves to remove trapped air. Test the sump pump; pour enough water into the well until it triggers the float.

Water heater, fireplace, and chimney

If you use a tank heater, drain it to remove sediment. To reduce heat loss, wrap the heater with a water heater insulation wrap. Get an expert to inspect and clean the chimney and fireplace. Ensure the damper is operating properly. Remind the tenants to keep the chimney flue closed when not in use.

Other things to do

Leave faucets open with a small drip to keep water flowing through the pipes. Reverse the ceiling fan blades to circulate the warm air near the ceiling around the room. Set the thermostat temperature at a minimum of 60 degrees to protect your pipes. To keep pipes above freezing temperature, ask your tenants to leave the closet and cabinet doors slightly open at all times.

What to do when things go wrong

If after taking these steps you still end up with a burst or frozen pipe, what should you do?

How to handle frozen pipes

If you find that a pipe is frozen, the only thing to do is thaw it. You may do this as long as the pipe is not damaged. You know a pipe is frozen when you can get little or no water. The first thing to do is to shut off the main water valve.

Following this, you should take immediate action. Do not wait for the pipe to thaw naturally or try to thaw it with a hairdryer. Waiting it out will increase the stress on your tenants and a hairdryer will leave you with more problems by potentially damaging the pipe.

Your best option is to call a licensed plumbing technician, like the Chicago Plumbing Experts. They have the equipment and expertise to thaw your frozen pipes without damaging your plumbing.

What to do when pipes burst

A burst pipe is even worse than a frozen pipe; the released water can damage your building and your tenant’s belongings. To minimize the damage and restore water supply to the rental, the problem must be addressed as quickly as possible.

Two options for solving this problem are to fix the section of the damaged pipe only or replace the entire length of the pipe. Clearly, you want to avoid a complete replacement when fixing only the damaged section will serve.

This is why you need an experienced emergency plumber like the Chicago Plumbing Experts, who will not only treat the burst pipe as an emergency but also give you an honest solution to the problem.

Aug '21

Who’s Responsible for Frozen Pipes in a Rental Apartment?

Owning a rental property comes with many benefits and a lot of challenges. If your property is located in an area with a temperate climate, one of the issues you may encounter is frozen pipes during winter. These can be pipes within the grounds of your property or inside the home.

Ideally, this is not something that should happen in a modern building. Modern houses are designed to have their own internal climate. The structure has systems that regulate its temperature to keep the home comfortable, regardless of what is happening outside.

But sometimes, this feature may not work, due to human error or system malfunction. When this happens, one of the consequences could be pipes freezing in very cold weather. A pipe freeze or burst can disrupt the water supply and should be solved immediately.

In a rental property, whose responsibility is it to deal with this problem?

Is the landlord supposed to solve frozen pipe issues or is this something the tenants are meant to take care of? This is a big source of conflict between landlords and tenants, says Keyrenter Property Management. Resolving it ahead of time is crucial for the landlord-tenant relationship.

Why Do Pipes in a Rental Property Freeze?

To answer the first question of who is responsible for solving frozen pipe issues in a rental property, it is important to understand what causes pipes to freeze. There are three primary reasons why the pipes in your rental property may freeze:

Quick drops in temperature

Ambient temperature can fall very low during snowstorms and after heavy snowfalls. But this alone will not cause the pipes in the home to freeze. Extremely low outside temperature must be accompanied by other factors before it will lead to frozen pipes.

Damaged or inadequate insulation

If pipes that are exposed to cold air are not properly insulated, they may freeze. Also if there are cracks and openings that let cold air into the home, pipes close to these areas will be prone to freeze.

Low indoor temperatures

This is mainly due to the thermostat being set too low. To keep pipes from freezing, thermostats should be set at the same temperature day and night.

Landlord Responsibilities for Frozen Pipes

Landlord responsibilities for preventing or resolving frozen pipe problem is twofold. Firstly, landlords are required to provide every amenity needed to make the home livable. These include functioning plumbing and a home that is adequately weather-proofed.

If pipes in a rental home freeze due to problems with the plumbing, heating, or insulation, the problem is the landlord’s to pay for. This is true even if the fault is due to the way a particular feature was installed and the landlord did not know of the problem.

The second aspect of landlord’s responsibility for frozen pipes is that landlords must educate their tenants on how to prevent frozen pipes in the home. The details of how to do this should be included in the lease agreement and the orientation new tenants get.

Some of the steps landlords should instruct tenants to follow during very cold weather are:

Keeping garage doors closed.
Leaving the closet and cabinet doors open to let pipes be warmed by the room temperature.
Letting a trickle of water drip from faucets to keep water flowing through pipes and keep them from freezing.

However, after a tenant has followed these instructions and the pipes in the home still freeze, the financial responsibility for the problem lies with the landlord.

Tenant Responsibilities for Frozen Pipes

Just as landlords have an obligation to provide a rental home with adequate plumbing, heating, and insulation, tenants have the duty to use these amenities reasonably and to do what they should to protect the landlord’s property.

If a tenant fails to protect the owner’s property by doing any of the following, they will be held liable for any frozen pipes in the home:

If the tenant goes on vacation without shutting off the water supply or draining the water system and the pipes freeze as a result.
The tenant fails to follow the landlord’s instructions on how to prevent frozen pipes in the home.
The tenant takes actions that damage the insulation, plumbing, or heating in the home.
The tenant detects a problem with the insulation, plumbing, or heating and fails to inform the landlord, leaving the issue to cause the pipes in the home to freeze and ultimately burst.

What to do When a Pipe Freezes

It is the tenant’s duty, as the person who lives in the home and is in close proximity to the system, to inform the landlord of the problem.
Landlords on their part are to take immediate action to resolve the problem, regardless of who caused it. Afterward, they can try to determine if the tenant is responsible for the damage.
Finally, to solve a problem with frozen or burst pipes, call a qualified emergency plumber, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Frozen pipes are often accompanied by costly leaks and extensive damage to the building or tenant’s belongings.