NO JOB IS TOO SMALL

Need a plumber? Give us a call! No job is too small. We can unclog your drains, fix leaky water pipes, stop that toilet from running, and help you with any pipe issues you may have. We value all of our customers and strive to provide the very best service at affordable prices. So trust Fred’s Energy for all of your plumbing needs and see why Northeast Kingdom has been relying on Fred’s for decades!

Below are some helpful plumbing tips on frequently asked questions from the plumbing experts at Fred’s Energy:

Q: When cold weather is forecasted, what can I do to prevent my pipes from freezing & potentially bursting?

A: There are many things that you can do to prevent your pipes from freezing.

  1. Check underneath all kitchen and bathroom cabinets that are located on the outside walls. These pipes are most likely to freeze. Leave your cabinet doors open on frigid nights to let the warm air in.
  2. Insulate pipes that are located on outside walls.
  3. Keep heat at 70 degrees on frigid days.

If your pipes do freeze, heat the area immediately. If the pipe condition does not improve, call Fred’s Energy immediately to avoid burst pipes.

Q: How do I thaw frozen pipes?

A: Apply heat to the frozen sections of the pipes using an electric hairdryer or space heater (away from all materials) or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. DO NOT USE a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any other open flame device. Do not leave heat sources unattended. If the pipes do not thaw within a few hours, you should call us so we can attend to it, to avoid burst pipes.

Q: How can I prevent clogged drains?

A: Do not rinse fats or cooking oils down the kitchen sink. Liquid fats solidify in the cold pipes and creates clogs. To help prevent drain clogs, you can fit all your showers and tubs with a strainer that catches soaps, hair and other loose particles. We recommend you pour a tea kettle of boiling hot water down the drain to help clear clogs for weekly maintenance.

Q: Are liquid drain openers (like Drano & Liquid Plumber) safe to use on my pipes?

A: We don’t recommend using them. The caustic ingredients found in them can get trapped in your pipes and it can severely damage them. We can snake the drain safely and clear pipes of all clogging.