New Apartment Tips How To Cure Vertical Liners In Cold Climates

The winter has come, and you've noticed the dreaded vertical pipeline. Vertical pipe liners are a common issue in cold climates. One reason is that the water in the pipes freezes and expands. When the water thaws, it leaves behind a layer of ice that can block the water flow in the pipeline or may rupture and cause flooding.

Vertical pipe liners are typically found near exterior walls in apartments and homes. They're also common in basements and crawl spaces. The primary purpose of vertical liners is to prevent the water pipes from freezing. But how do you repair or cure them? This article will discuss a few tips.

Apply Heat To The Pipe

One way to fix a vertical pipeline is to apply heat to the pipe. You may use a small electric portable heating curing unit to decrease curing time. You can also utilize a space heater or a heat gun. Doing so will slowly thaw the ice and help it break down so the water can flow through the pipe again.

It's crucial to apply the heat evenly across the pipe. Otherwise, the vertical pipeline may be damaged. You don't want to create a hotspot that could potentially start a fire.

In addition, it'd be best to not use an open flame as a way to melt the ice. Flame can come into contact with flammable materials. As a result, it may not be safe for you and could lead to property damage.

Install A Pipe Insulation

One of the best ways to cure vertical pipeline liners in cold climates is using pipe insulation. This method can be done with pre-molded foam insulation or with fiberglass insulation. The insulation will help keep the heat in and slow down the freezing process.

If you're using the pre-molded insulation, it'll be easier to cut out the desired size hole. It allows you to remove the liner and adequately drain the water. The foam insulation also provides an extra layer of protection against ruptures.

On the other hand, fiberglass insulation is more flexible and can be wrapped around the pipe. It also has a higher R-value or thermal resistance value, which is excellent for preventing condensation. As a result, your vertical pipeline will remain dry and protected from the cold weather.

Additionally, you may want to consider insulating your house. Home insulation can help keep the heat in, which may benefit the vertical pipelines inside your home. For instance, if you have pipes inside your cabinet, having proper insulation minimizes heat loss and maintains a warm temperature. It'll help pipes to stay ice-free and prevent any potential leaks or bursts.

Remove Water From The Pipe

You may also remove the water from the pipe. This idea will help to drain any remaining liquid inside and allow it to warm up. You can do this by using a pipe vacuum or tying a rope around the middle of the pipe and pulling it downwards.

For instance, you may use a garden hose to drain the pipe. Next, you should tighten the compression fitting until it stops dripping water. It'll help to prevent further water damage on the floor. In addition, the pipe should fit snugly to reduce any further leakage or potential leaks from occurring.

Although it may sound simple, this process can become complex. You'll want to ensure that you don't damage the pipe from applying too much pressure. If so, it may lead to drainage issues. With that said, it'd be best to hire a professional to ensure that won’t be any problems.

Seal Possible Leaks

Another method to prevent vertical pipeline liners in cold climates is by sealing any potential leaks. These could be around the pipe or inside of the wall. It's essential to fix leaking pipes, cracks, or holes right away. That way, you can prevent cold air from seeping in or a water leak from occurring.

You can use a sealant such as silicone caulk or latex caulking. Moreover, it'd best to have a properly ventilated room when doing this type of work. That way, the fumes won't be too strong, and the air will circulate better.

Conclusion

Vertical pipe liners may be a common issue in homes and apartment buildings during the winter. If you can't repair the problem, it may be best to hire a professional plumber. Doing so will help to ensure that your home, apartment, and other buildings don't experience any potential damage due to the water pipe freeze.

By following the above tips, you may cure the vertical pipe liners in no time. If you're unable to, it'd be best to hire a licensed plumber to do so for you.