Guide on How to Prevent and Fix Frozen Pipes

As winter temperatures drop, the risk of frozen pipes becomes a concern for homeowners in Georgia. Frozen pipes can lead to various complications, including water damage, inconvenient utility disruptions, and costly repairs. It is crucial to know how to prevent frozen pipes and how to fix them should they occur, ensuring the safety and efficiency of your home's plumbing system.

In this guide, we will provide detailed steps on how to prevent frozen pipes during the winter months, as well as instructions on fixing frozen pipes and when to seek professional help from the experts at Millennial Plumbing & Tankless in Dacula, Georgia. By understanding the prevention and resolution of this issue, you'll be better equipped to handle the potential challenges of cold weather, safeguarding your plumbing and your home all winter long.

Prevention: Protecting Your Pipes Against Freezing

Taking proactive measures to protect your plumbing system against freezing temperatures is crucial in preventing frozen pipes. To safeguard your pipes:

1. Insulate Exposed Pipes

Identify pipes that are exposed in unheated spaces, such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, or along exterior walls. Insulate these pipes using pipe sleeves, insulation tape, or heat cables, making sure they are securely attached and completely covered.

2. Seal Gaps and Cracks

Air leaks in your home can lead to cold drafts that increase the risk of frozen pipes. Inspect your home for gaps and cracks around windows, doors, vents, and pipe entry points, and seal them using weather stripping, caulk, or spray foam insulation as appropriate.

3. Maintain a Consistent Indoor Temperature

Keep the thermostat set at a minimum of 55°F (13°C), even when you're not at home or during nighttime hours, to ensure consistent warmth throughout your living spaces. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation around pipes, and use space heaters in particularly cold or at-risk rooms.

4. Drain and Disconnect Outdoor Plumbing

Winterize outdoor faucets, such as hose bibs, and irrigation systems by shutting off the water supply and draining any remaining water. Disconnect and store hoses indoors to prevent freezing and rupturing.

Identifying and Handling Frozen Pipes

Despite preventive measures, pipes may still freeze during extremely cold temperatures. Start by recognizing the symptoms of frozen pipes:

No water flow or severely reduced water pressure from faucets.
Frost accumulating on the exterior of the pipe.
A noticeable drop in temperature in areas near vulnerable pipes.
Unusual and persistent odors from drains indicating a blocked pipe.

If you suspect you have a frozen pipe, it's essential to act quickly and carefully.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Shut off the water main valve to minimize potential water damage caused if the pipe bursts. Turn on the affected faucets to help relieve pressure within the pipe.

2. Apply Heat To Thaw the Pipe

Using a heating pad, heat lamp, or hairdryer on a low setting, apply gentle heat to the frozen section of the pipe, working from the faucet end toward the colder section. Never use a blowtorch, propane heater, or any open flame device, as this can cause a fire or weaken the pipe, causing it to burst.

3. Monitor the Thawing Process

Keep an eye on the pipe as it thaws, gradually increasing heat if the pipe remains frozen. Once the pipe is unfrozen, water should flow freely from the faucet, and any frost or condensation on the pipe's exterior should dissipate.

4. When To Seek Professional Help: Calling Millennial Plumbing & Tankless

There are instances when you need to contact a professional plumber, such as Millennial Plumbing & Tankless, to address frozen pipes:

If you cannot locate the frozen section of the pipe
If the frozen pipe is located inside a wall or another inaccessible area
If you've attempted to thaw the pipe but have seen no improvement
If the frozen pipe has already burst, causing water damage or posing a safety hazard.

In such cases, the expert technicians at Millennial Plumbing & Tankless in Dacula, Georgia, will assess the situation and provide the appropriate repairs or replacements, ensuring the safety and integrity of your plumbing system.

Avoiding Future Frozen Pipes

After you've successfully dealt with a frozen pipe, it's essential to take preventive measures to avoid future issues. Review your plumbing system's insulation and sealing to ensure adequate protection and maintain a consistent indoor temperature during colder weather. Consider upgrading to frost-free hose bibs and installing pipe heating cables if you live in a region with particularly harsh winters.

If you continue to experience issues with frozen pipes, consult the Millennial Plumbing & Tankless professionals for a comprehensive plumbing evaluation to address any underlying issues that may be contributing to the problem, such as poor insulation, outdated piping materials, or inadequate heating systems.

Understanding how to prevent, identify, and fix frozen pipes is crucial in maintaining a safe and efficient plumbing system during the winter months. By following these guidelines and relying on professional support from Millennial Plumbing & Tankless, homeowners in Georgia can ensure the resilience and effectiveness of their plumbing system throughout the cold seasons.

Keep Your Plumbing System Safe and Efficient This Winter

As a homeowner in Georgia, staying vigilant against frozen pipes is essential to maintain a safe and efficient plumbing system throughout the colder months. By implementing preventive measures and knowing when to call on expert help from Millennial Plumbing & Tankless, you can avoid costly water damage, unnecessary disruptions, and potential plumbing hazards during the winter season.

Millennial Plumbing & Tankless is a plumbing service provider ready to provide a lasting solution to any plumbing issue, including frozen pipes and pipe clog removal in Dacula. Don't let frozen pipes take you by surprise this winter. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and ensure your plumbing system is prepared for the cold months ahead!

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How To Detect and Fix a Hidden Water Leak in Your Home

February 24, 2025

Water leaks can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare, especially when they go unnoticed for long periods. A hidden water leak can lead to costly repairs, increased water bills, and even structural damage to your home. Detecting these leaks early can save you time and money while preventing severe water damage. At Millennial Plumbing & Tankless, we understand the challenges homeowners face when dealing with hidden leaks. Our expert team provides water service repair and plumbing solutions to help you detect and fix leaks efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the common signs of a hidden leak, detection methods, and repair solutions. Understanding Hidden Water Leaks Hidden water leaks can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Often undetectable until significant damage has occurred, these leaks can lead to costly repairs and potential structural issues if left unaddressed. Understanding the signs of hidden water leaks is essential for maintaining your home. Pay attention to subtle changes, such as unexplained increases in your water bill, damp spots on walls or ceilings, or the presence of mold or mildew. These indicators can signal that water is seeping where it shouldn’t, and quick action can save you from extensive damage down the line. To effectively combat hidden leaks, familiarize yourself with your plumbing system. Start by regularly inspecting places where water lines are located, such as under sinks in the bathroom, behind appliances in the kitchen or laundry room, or in basements. Look for discolored patches, peeling paint, or warped flooring, all of which can point to moisture problems. Using moisture meters can also aid in detecting leaks that aren’t visible to the naked eye. If you suspect a hidden leak but cannot locate it, it may be wise to consult a professional plumber from Millennial Plumbing & Tankless who can conduct a thorough inspection and employ advanced leak detection techniques. By being proactive, you can protect your home from the detrimental effects of hidden water leaks and ensure a safe, dry living environment. Common Places Where Hidden Leaks Occur Inside walls and ceilings Beneath floors and foundations Under sinks and behind appliances Underground water lines Because hidden leaks are not easily noticed, it’s essential to recognize the signs that indicate a possible plumbing issue. Signs of Plumbing Leaks Unexplained Increase in Water Bills One of the first indications of a hidden water leak is a sudden spike in your water bill. If your water usage hasn’t changed, but your bill is significantly higher, you may have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. Compare past bills and monitor usage to determine if an unexplained increase occurs. Low Water Pressure Issues If your home plumbing pressure seems weaker than usual, it could be due to a leak. When a pipe is leaking, it diverts water away from your fixtures, resulting in lower pressure in sinks, showers, and other water outlets. Water Stains and Mold Growth Water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors can be a telltale sign of a leak. These stains often appear as dark patches or discoloration. Additionally, hidden leaks create a damp environment that promotes mold and mildew growth, leading to potential health issues and structural concerns. Unusual Sounds and Musty Odors Hearing the sound of running water when no faucets are in use is another indication of a hidden leak. Dripping, hissing, or running noises within walls or floors could mean water is escaping from a pipe. Musty odors in certain areas of your home may also suggest lingering moisture caused by a leak. Water Leak Detection Methods Checking Your Water Meter A simple way to determine if you have a hidden leak is by using your water meter. Follow these steps: Turn off all water-using appliances and fixtures in your home. Locate your water meter and record the current reading. Wait for at least 30 minutes without using any water. Check the meter again—if the reading has changed, you likely have a leak. This method is effective for detecting leaks in your plumbing system but won’t pinpoint the exact location of the problem. Professional Leak Detection Services If you suspect a leak but cannot locate it, professional leak detection services are the best solution. Millennial Plumbing & Tankless uses advanced technology, such as infrared cameras and acoustic listening devices, to identify leaks without invasive procedures. These tools allow us to detect leaks hidden within walls, under floors, and even in underground pipes. Fixing Home Water Leaks Once a leak is detected, whether hidden or visible, it’s crucial to address it quickly to prevent further damage. Here are some common solutions for fixing home water leaks. Patching Small Pipe Leaks For minor leaks, temporary solutions like pipe clamps or plumber’s tape can help prevent further water loss until a permanent fix is applied. However, for long-term reliability, replacing the damaged section of the pipe is the best course of action. Fixing Leaky Faucets and Fixtures A dripping faucet may seem minor, but over time, it can waste hundreds of gallons of water. Common causes of faucet leaks include worn-out washers, O-rings, or faulty valve seats. Replacing these components can resolve most leaky faucets and restore proper function. Addressing Underground or Slab Leaks Leaks beneath your home’s foundation, also known as slab leaks, can be particularly damaging. These leaks can lead to foundation cracks, water pooling around the house, and uneven flooring. Because repairing underground leaks requires specialized equipment, it’s essential to contact a professional plumbing service for assistance. Preventing Water Damage From Leaks Regular Plumbing Maintenance Routine inspections and maintenance can help prevent leaks before they become major issues. Checking for small drips, inspecting appliance hoses, and monitoring your water bill are simple ways to catch potential problems early. Upgrading Old Plumbing Systems Older pipes, especially those made of galvanized steel or polybutylene, are more prone to leaks and corrosion. If your home has aging plumbing, consider upgrading to modern materials such as PEX or copper for improved durability and leak resistance. Investing in Smart Water Leak Detection Devices Installing smart water leak sensors can provide early warnings of potential leaks. These devices monitor water flow and alert homeowners via smartphone notifications if unusual activity is detected. Some advanced models even shut off water automatically to prevent extensive damage. Count on Millennial Plumbing & Tankless for Leak Repairs While some minor leaks can be fixed with DIY solutions, larger or hidden leaks require professional attention. If you notice persistent water pressure issues, unexplained water damage, or mold growth, it’s time to seek professional help. At Millennial Plumbing & Tankless, we specialize in water service repair and leak detection to keep your home safe and efficient. Whether you’re dealing with a minor drip or a major plumbing issue, our experienced team in Dacula, GA, is here to help. Contact us today for emergency plumbing service or to schedule service or an inspection and protect your home from costly water damage.

Signs Your Water Heater Needs Repair or Replacement

February 7, 2025

Your water heater is one of the most essential appliances in your home, providing hot water for bathing, cooking, and cleaning. However, like any other home system, water heaters don’t last forever. Over time, they can develop issues that impact their performance and efficiency. Recognizing the signs that your water heater needs repair or replacement can save you from unexpected breakdowns and costly water damage. Here’s what you need to know about common water heater issues and when to call Millennial Plumbing & Tankless for expert service. Common Signs Your Water Heater Needs Attention A failing water heater often gives warning signs before it completely stops working. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to schedule a professional inspection. Inconsistent or No Hot Water One of the most obvious signs of a water heater problem is a lack of hot water or fluctuating water temperature. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including: A malfunctioning heating element in an electric water heater. A failing gas burner or pilot light in a gas-powered unit. Sediment buildup at the bottom of the tank, reducing efficiency. A faulty thermostat that is unable to regulate water temperature properly. If you’re experiencing these problems, a professional from Millennial Plumbing & Tankless can determine whether a repair will restore hot water or if a replacement is the better option. Water Heater Leaking Leaks around your water heater can be a serious concern. If you see water pooling near the unit, the cause could be: A loose or broken drain valve. Corrosion inside the tank leading to small fractures. Excessive pressure causing water to escape through relief valves. Worn-out seals and fittings. Even a minor leak can lead to extensive water damage in your home. If your water heater is leaking, it’s crucial to call Millennial Plumbing & Tankless for an assessment right away. Unusual Noises From the Water Heater Strange sounds coming from your water heater, such as popping, rumbling, or banging, typically indicate sediment buildup inside the tank. Over time, mineral deposits settle at the bottom, making it harder for the heating element to function efficiently. This can lead to: Overheating, causing loud noises. Reduced efficiency and increased energy bills. Premature wear on the unit. Flushing the tank can sometimes resolve this issue, but if the problem persists, you may need a replacement. Rusty or Discolored Water If your hot water has a reddish or brownish tint, it could be a sign of internal corrosion within the water heater. Rusty water is often caused by: A failing anode rod, which is designed to prevent tank corrosion. Rust forming inside the tank, indicating structural deterioration. Corroded pipes in your home’s plumbing system. If replacing the anode rod doesn’t resolve the issue, it may be time for a new water heater. Water Takes Too Long oT Heat or Runs Out Quickly If you find yourself running out of hot water faster than usual, or if it takes a long time for water to heat up, potential causes include: Sediment buildup reducing heating efficiency. A broken thermostat that isn’t regulating temperature correctly. An aging unit struggling to keep up with household demand. Upgrading to a more efficient model, such as a tankless water heater, can ensure a steady supply of hot water while reducing energy costs. Understanding Your Water Heater’s Lifespan Most traditional tank water heaters last between 8 to 12 years, while tankless water heaters can function efficiently for 20 years or more with proper maintenance. If your water heater is nearing the end of its expected lifespan and requires frequent repairs, replacement may be the best long-term solution. When To Repair vs. Replace Your Water Heater Deciding whether to repair or replace your water heater depends on several factors: Age: If your unit is over 10 years old and experiencing major issues, replacement is likely the best option. Repair Frequency: If you’ve needed multiple repairs in a short period, it may be more cost-effective to invest in a new unit. Efficiency: Older water heaters consume more energy, leading to higher utility bills. Newer models, especially tankless water heaters, are significantly more energy-efficient. Water Heater Size: If your family has grown and your water heater isn’t meeting demand, upgrading to a larger or more efficient unit is advisable. A professional from Millennial Plumbing & Tankless can inspect your system and help you determine the best course of action. Preventative Maintenance for a Long-Lasting Water Heater Regular water heater maintenance is key to extending its lifespan and avoiding costly repairs. Here are some simple maintenance steps: Flush the Tank Annually Sediment buildup inside the tank reduces efficiency and can lead to overheating. Flushing the tank once a year helps keep it functioning properly. Check the Anode Rod The anode rod prevents corrosion inside the tank. Inspecting and replacing it every few years can prolong your water heater’s lifespan. Inspect for Leaks and Corrosion Regularly checking for leaks, rust, and other signs of wear can help catch problems early before they become major issues. Set the Thermostat to 120°F - 140°F Keeping your water heater at 120°F - 140°F helps prevent overheating, reduces energy consumption, and lowers the risk of burns. Schedule Professional Maintenance An annual inspection by a professional plumber ensures that all components are in good working condition, preventing unexpected breakdowns. Call Millennial Plumbing & Tankless for Expert Water Heater Service If you’ve noticed signs that your water heater isn’t performing as it should, don’t wait for a complete failure. Millennial Plumbing & Tankless specializes in water heater repairs, replacements, and maintenance to keep your home’s hot water supply running smoothly. Whether you need a quick repair, a full system upgrade, or advice on high-efficiency tankless water heaters, our expert team is here to help. Contact Millennial Plumbing & Tankless today by calling or texting (470) 727-6292 for professional plumbing services in Dacula, GA, and ensure your water heater is in top condition!

Understanding Water Pressure: Causes of Low and High Pressure in Homes

January 27, 2025

Water pressure plays a crucial role in your daily life, from taking a relaxing shower to running your dishwasher efficiently. However, many homeowners encounter water pressure issues that disrupt their routines and potentially harm their plumbing systems. Understanding the causes of low and high water pressure in your home can help you identify problems early and take appropriate action. In this blog post, we’ll discuss common causes of water pressure issues , their potential solutions, and how Millennial Plumbing & Tankless in Dacula, GA, can assist you in maintaining optimal water pressure.