Noisy Pipes

Pipe noises range from loud hammering sounds to high-pitched squeaks. The causes may be loose pipes, water logged air chambers, or water pressure that's too high. Anchoring exposed pipes is a simple solution; other remedies such as anchoring pipes concealed inside walls, floors or ceilings, you may need to call a professional.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

To keep your exposed pipes from freezing here are a few simple steps that you can take:

  1. Keep a trickle of water running from the faucets. Running water will not freeze; even a small amount will stop it from freezing. 

  2. Wrap your un-insulated pipes it newspapers, foam, or self-adhesive insulating tape. This is a quick but temporary way  to get through the cold Michigan winter weather without a headache. We suggest that you only use this for one winter and then look into getting the exposed pipes properly isolated.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

If the pipes freeze here are ways to prevent the pipes from bursting:

  1. Shut-off the water main shutoff valve and open the faucet closest to the frozen pipes so it can drain as it thaws.
  2. Use a hair dryer on the pipes, this will gently and safely defrost the pipes.
  3. For pipes behind walls, floors, or ceilings beam a heat lamp 8 or more inches from the surface.

A Leaking or Broken Pipe

  1. Turn off the main shutoff valve to prevent water damage.
  2. Make temporary repairs to stop the leak.
  3. The pipe will have to be replaced as soon as it's convenient to do so.

A Stopped-Up Sink

  1. Shut off any faucet or appliance (such as dishwasher) that's draining into the sink.
  2. Unclog the sink using a plunger or snake.
  3. DON'T use a chemical drain cleaner if the blockage is total.

A Faucet That Won't Shut Off

  1. Immediately turn off the water at the fixture shutoff valve underneath the sink.
  2. If there's no valve there, turn off the main shutoff valve.
  3. Repair the faucet or, if necessary, replace it.

A Steaming Hot Water Faucet

  1. Open all the hot water faucets to relieve the overheated hot water heater.
  2. Turn off the gas or electric supply to the heater.
  3. Let the faucets run until cold water flows from them (this indicates the water in the heater is no longer overheated).
  4. Close them.
  5. Call in a professional to make any necessary repairs to the heater's thermostat and pressure relief valve.