The temperatures are dropping, winter is just around the corner. Schedule that annual furnace/boiler service before you end up stuck in the cold ! 
Call for your appointment today 800-929-8339

Visit our website to check out our early Fall specials !!
www.simmonsplumbing.com

Did you make that appointment yet to have your A/C serviced?
No ?! Stop what you are doing right now and call !!
800-929-8339

Do you feel it ?? Spring is here....warmer weather is coming !!
Time to schedule that AC service
Call now...800-929-8339

It is much appreciated when we recieve recognition like this, an email from another satisfied customer.

To: simmonshomecomfort@gmail.com
March 14, 2016
From: R. Salus...
E-mail: XXXXXXXXXXXXX@comcast.net
Address: XXXXXXXX XX
City: Newburyport
State: MA Zip: 01950

Message: I would like you to know that I could not be more pleased with the quality of the work done by Simmons Plumbing. What a difference from my experience with other plumbing companies over the years. Simmons' plumbers showed up on time and did their best to minimize any messes. They take pride in the quality of their work as they rightly should because it was second to none.
http://www.simmonsplumbing.com

Thanks again, Mr. Salus. It was our pleasure taking care of you

All of Us at Simmons Plumbing & HVAC

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Clever and Creative ways to cover that unsightly radiator

 

 

It woul appear that the Groundhog was Wrong!

Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes

Being prepared and informed may help you to avoid the messy and often expensive issue of frozen pipes. The American Red Cross provides information and suggestions around how to prevent water pipes in the home from freezing, and how to thaw them if they do freeze

 Why Pipe Freezing is a Problem 

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the "strength" of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing.

 Preventing Frozen Pipes 

Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:

-Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

-Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

-Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

-Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action 

Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

 

To Thaw Frozen Pipes

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.

Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

 

Future Protection 

Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.

Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.

Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.

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