WaterCop Flood Prevention

We also recommend another defense mechanism that can protect your home from frozen pipes and flooding:

The WaterCop Automatic Water Shutoff System.

A WaterCop is an automatic water shutoff system which consists of a wireless main water shut off valve and a network of flood and temperature sensors.

When the sensors are activated by water or freezing temperatures they send a wireless signal to shut off all incoming water. This prevents flood waters before they get out of hand and protects your home, family, and valuables.

McAdams Plumbing offers this product and is authorized by DynaQuip to install it in your home.

Call 303-465-1900 to discuss how WaterCop can protect your home from major water damage.

Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes / Broken Pipes

McAdams Plumbing recommends you take preventive measures to avoid frozen pipes by ensuring sure that all exposed water lines are properly insulated before temperatures drop.

A primary defense is using pipe insulation such as heat tape, foam rubber sleeves, or fiberglass. We can inspect your pipes and insulate them if necessary.

Additionally, when temperatures drop, turn your heat up in the home and open all cabinets and room doors (including closets). This allows the warm air to circulate freely.

If it’s sub-zero temperatures, consider shutting off your main water line at night or when not using water and open a sink on the lowest level of the home. This will drain the water from your pipes, leaving nothing to freeze.

Note: When you turn your water back on after shutting the main off be sure to do so slowly listening for leaking water while you open the valve. If you do hear the sound of rushing water that’s not a faucet, shut down the main valve and call 303-465-1900 immediately.

Do-It-Yourself Pipe Thawing

In some cases, you may be able to thaw your frozen pipes before an emergency arises.

First, identify which pipe is frozen.

You’ll know a pipe is frozen if you turn on a faucet connected to it and no water comes out, or only trickles out. Follow the pipe from the non-working faucet and search for any sections in which appears to have frost or exterior ice.

If you feel the pipe, the frozen section will be much colder than other areas. Look closely at the section for any bulges and feel for cracks. If there is a crack, you will need to call 303-465-1900 for repair.

If you’ve escaped a pipe break so far, you may be able to thaw it out – even without having to tear out walls or paneling. Simply crank up the heat in your home to a higher setting and wait.

You can also direct a heat lamp, space heater, or infrared heat lamp at the section of wall where the pipe is located. Be careful not to place heat lamps too close to the wall or unattended, they may cause spontaneous fires.

Leave your faucet in the “on” position, and once you hear running water, you’ll know the pipe is thawing.

If the frozen pipe is located outside your home, or if it’s otherwise exposed, do not turn off the water supply to your home before you begin thawing the frozen pipe.

You also should start the thawing process from the tap or faucet back to the frozen section.

If you begin thawing behind the ice, the water that’s released will have nowhere to go because it will still be blocked by ice in the frozen pipe.