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Frozen pipes can cause serious damage to your home and can lead to costly repairs if not addressed promptly. In this blog post, we will discuss the severity of the problem, how you can prevent frozen pipes in the winter, and when to call us for help.

The Danger of Frozen Pipes in Your Home

Frozen pipes are a common problem during the winter months, particularly in areas with cold climates like Missouri. (Missouri winters can be very cold, with average lows in December and January of about 20°F.)

When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe and causing it to crack or burst. This can lead to serious water damage in your home and can be costly to repair.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

The best way to deal with frozen pipes is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few things you can do to prevent frozen pipes in the winter:

1. Insulate your pipes: Pipes that run through unheated areas of your home, such as the attic, garage, or crawl space, are more likely to freeze. Pay special attention to pipes that run along exterior walls. Insulating these pipes with pipe insulation can help keep them warm and prevent freezing.
2. Let the water run: Running a small stream of water through your pipes can help prevent freezing during extremely cold weather. This is because moving water is less likely to freeze than standing water.
3. Keep your thermostat set at the same temperature: Fluctuating temperatures can cause pipes to expand and contract, making them more susceptible to freezing. Keeping your thermostat set at a consistent temperature can help prevent this.
4. Seal off drafts: Drafts can let in cold air and cause pipes to freeze. Seal off drafts around your windows and doors to keep the cold air out.
5. Open cabinet doors: Leaving the doors open to cabinets under your sinks can allow warm air to circulate around the pipes, preventing them from freezing.
6. Regular maintenance and inspections can help detect and repair any issues before they become a bigger problem. It’s important to schedule regular maintenance with a professional licensed plumber (like us) to ensure your pipes are in good condition and to prevent any issues during the winter months.

How to Deal with a Frozen Pipe

To identify frozen pipes, you should keep an eye out for signs such as reduced water pressure, strange noises from the pipes, or water leaks.

If you suspect that one of your pipes may be frozen, it’s important to act immediately. Here are a few things you can do to deal with a frozen pipe:

1. Locate the frozen pipe: Look for signs of freezing such as frost on the pipe or a lack of water flow. Frozen pipes are often found in unheated areas of the home, such as the attic, garage, or crawl space.
2. Thaw the pipe: You can try to thaw the pipe using a hair dryer or a space heater. Never use an open flame, such as a blowtorch, to thaw a pipe. Move the heat source along the length of the frozen pipe to melt the ice.
3. Keep the faucet open: As the pipe thaws, open the faucet closest to the frozen pipe to allow the water to flow through the pipe and prevent refreezing.
4. Check for leaks: Once the pipe has thawed, turn the water back on and check for leaks. If you notice any leaks, turn the water off again and call a professional plumber to repair the pipe.

When to Call in a Professional Plumber

If you are unable to thaw the pipe or the pipe has already burst, it’s best to turn off the main water supply to your home and call us. We have the experience and the equipment necessary to safely thaw and repair the pipes, minimizing the potential damage to your home.

In conclusion, frozen pipes are not just an inconvenience, but a serious problem that can damage your home and cost you a lot of money. By taking steps to prevent frozen pipes and knowing when to call in a professional plumber, you can protect your home and keep your pipes flowing smoothly throughout the winter.

If you have any concerns or need any assistance with your pipes, don’t hesitate to contact our plumbing company. We’re here to help.

There are many different types of kitchen countertops to choose from, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. The right countertop material for you will depend on your budget, personal style, and needs.

Types of Kitchen Countertops

Granite:
Granite is a natural stone that is extremely durable and resistant to heat and scratches. It is also resistant to bacteria, making it a popular choice for kitchen countertops. However, it can be expensive, and it requires regular sealing to prevent staining.

Quartz:
Quartz is a man-made material that is composed of crushed quartz mixed with resin. It is extremely durable and requires minimal maintenance. It is also resistant to heat, stains, and bacteria. However, it can be more expensive than other options.

Marble:
Marble is a natural stone that is known for its elegant, timeless look. It is softer and more porous than granite, so it is more prone to scratching and staining. It also requires regular sealing to protect it from spills and stains.

Soapstone:
Soapstone is a natural stone that is known for its soft, matte finish. It is resistant to heat and stains, but it can scratch easily. It is also prone to developing a patina over time, which some people find attractive.

Concrete:
Concrete is a versatile material that can be poured and shaped into any form. It is extremely durable and resistant to heat and stains. It can also be stained or stamped to achieve a variety of different looks. However, it is prone to cracking if not properly sealed and maintained.

Laminate:
Laminate is a budget-friendly option that is made of layers of paper or fabric that have been impregnated with resin and attached to a particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) core. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and it is easy to clean and maintain. However, it is prone to scratching and is not heat-resistant.

Solid surface:
Solid surface countertops are made of acrylic or polyester resins mixed with crushed stone or other materials. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, and they are non-porous, making them resistant to stains and bacteria. However, they can be scratched or damaged by heat.

Stainless steel:
Stainless steel is a popular choice for commercial kitchens, but it is also becoming more popular in residential kitchens. It is extremely durable and resistant to heat and stains, and it is easy to clean and maintain. However, it can be noisy and prone to fingerprints and scratches.

Example:

Suppose a couple with 2 young children, who live in a modest starter home, wanted to install new kitchen countertops. They want something economical but that something that would still look good in 5 years, when they hope to sell their home.

We would suggest considering laminate or solid surface countertops.

Laminate countertops:

This budget-friendly option is made up of layers of paper and fabric that have been imbedded with resin and attached to a MDF (medium density fiberboard) core. They come in many colors and patterns and are easy to clean and maintain.

They are susceptible to scratching, and they do not resist heat.

Laminate countertops are a good choice for homeowners on a budget because they are relatively inexpensive and can give the appearance of more expensive materials, such as granite or marble.

Solid surface countertops are made of acrylic or polyester resins mixed with crushed stone or other materials.

Solid surface countertops are a good choice for homeowners who want a more durable and low-maintenance option. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they are resistant to stains and bacteria, making them a hygienic choice for families with young children. They are also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, so you can find a look that fits your personal style.

Both laminate and solid surface countertops are good choices in this situation. Both materials are budget-friendly and offer a range of colors and patterns to choose from, while also providing durability and low maintenance.

Conclusion

When choosing a kitchen countertop, it is important to consider your budget, lifestyle, and personal style.

Some materials, like granite and marble, are more expensive, but they offer a timeless, elegant look that can increase the value of your home.

Other materials, like laminate and solid surface, are more budget-friendly, but they may not have the same level of durability and resistance to wear and tear. Ultimately, the best countertop material for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

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This article is a smart way to summarize the types of kitchen countertops that a remodeling company might offer. Tips to get the most out of this article:

• link to existing pages/posts about specific countertop styles. If you do not have them, create them
• add images of completed projects using these materials
• add a brief explanation of the material your company specializes in, or that is most popular
• include a call-to-action at the end, such as “Contact one of our remodeling experts today”