Q: Does ICE-LOC® have to be replaced after a certain time?
A: The lifespan of ICE-LOC® No one knows for sure. Should last many years. Inspection in a 15 year old install and core still looks very good. Most likely rust, corrosion, oxidation and any plastic deformation of the pipe will come first.

Q: Will the stainless steel clip deteriorate?
A: Stainless steel can deteriorate after several years in a plumbing system with water. Dissolved chlorine and salts in the water can contribute to deterioration of the clip depending on the metal it is grounded against. The clips should be checked every few years or so. Possible replacement of clips might be needed.

Q: Can the ICE-LOC® elastomer core withstand soldering temperatures in copper plumbing?
A: ICE-LOC® can withstand temperatures of about 600 degrees F for short periods. Typical solders do not exceed 450 degrees F and low temperature silver solder may be used if melting point does not exceed 600 degrees F

Q: Does ICE-LOC® have to be replaced after a freeze?
A: No, ICE-LOC® will continue to help protect your plumbing after the ice thaws.

Q: What is plastic deformation?
A: Plastic deformation is the stretching and expansion of a pipe over time due to continued pressure and flow of fluid within. Freezing accelerates this deformation unless the yield strength is reached or if a pipe fails, breaks or splits. An Example for a Copper Line: Ever repair a 1/4 in copper air conditioner water line and cut the split bad piece out and then add a new copper piece with a union coupling? Now try to put a new brass ferrule and nut on the old copper you prepared for the splice. The old copper swelled and these new pieces can't be put on. The old copper already swelled to a larger diameter. Now you have to replace the whole run. That's plastic deformation.

Q: Is ICE-LOC® protection guaranteed?
A: ICE-LOC® Inc. cannot offer a guarantee because there are many variables in pipe quality, conditions and installation. Other manufacturer’s products can be faulty and be the main cause of damage. ICE-LOC® is not able monitor or inspect the quality of piping before it is installed or the fact people have purchased the product after a pipe breakage and can claim that ICE-LOC® was already in place, therefore is impossible to know what ocurred first.

Q: What guarantee does ICE-LOC® give?
A: ICE-LOC® Inc. guarantees the silicone sponge will function as intended for 15 years, although it lasts for several years, we must have a reasonable time span for tracking previous customers year to year. This Product Does Work Great And You Can Be Assured If Installed As Illustrated, It Will Save You From Repairs For Many Years With Peace Of Mind .

Q: Can ICE-LOC® be used in RV's and motor homes?
A: Yes, ICE-LOC® can be used anywhere that has potable plumbing as long as the water pipes are of the types mentioned. Not poly-butyl, PEX,CPVC or type M copper.

Q: Can ICE-LOC® be used in mobile homes?
A: Yes, the most important application in a mobile home is the main line coming up behind the skirting of the home and into the structure. Not poly-butyl, PEX,CPVC or type M copper.

Q: Does ICE-LOC® prevent pipes from freezing?
A: No, ICE-LOC® is not a source of heat and is not a form of insulation that slows the freezing process.

Q: Will ICE-LOC® help thaw frozen pipes?
A: No, ICE-LOC® is not a source of heat. It is passive device that compresses when ice expands, allowing a place to receive the new water volume. This helps to protect the pipe from rupturing. Do not ever force thaw PVC pipe by use of a hot blowgun or hot water, this will shatter plastic pipe even if has been protected with ICE-LOC®. Let pipe thaw slowly.

Q: Can ICE-LOC® be used in very cold and hot water delivery systems?
A: Yes, ICE-LOC® has a protective range of at least -40 below zero F to well beyond boiling temperature of water (useful to 450 degrees F) without change to the elastomer. This high temperature would only occur in unique commercial applications or during the short time exposure of soldering temperatures of copper pipe.

Q: Will ICE-LOC® restrict my water flow?
A: ICE-LOC® will have very little effect on your water flow and water pressure is whatever your water pressure is (a very hard concept for people to understand). ICE-LOC® absorbs ice pressure, so in return there is small effect on water flow  after ice thaws out.( as tested by laboratory, less than 2% change. At  water pressure of 100-105 psi, less than 1% water flow change)

Q: What size pipes are protected by ICE-LOC®?
A: ICE-LOC® is available for 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch and 1 inch pipe sizes (clips for these sizes only). A Good Alternative for a larger Pipe: is to use 2 green cores for 11/2 inch, 4 green cores for 2 inch pipes (Go to "How-To page"  for instructions). Just put those cores side by side in the large pipe or pull the cores together.  tie core inner twine together, (there are  no clips for11/2 or 2 inch pipes). Remember to always cut ICE-LOC® core at a sharp angle so as to pierce the water with much better flow. ICE-LOC® core will become much smaller when city water pressure is applied just as it is with a single core install.

Q: What kind of pipes are protected with ICE-LOC?
A: ICE-LOC® will protect PVC (Schedule 40 or better), copper pipe Types L and K and all steel pipe.

Not recommended for Pex Pipe (too many non-typical sizes of tubing using ID inserted barbed fittings ).
Not for CPVC pipe as pipe sizes are non- typical as with Pex Pipe and pressure rating is low.
Not tested, therefore not approved for Fire Suppression Pipes.

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Q: Can ICE-LOC® be used for sewer pipes or drainage pipes?
A: ICE-LOC® is not intented for sewer or drainage pipes. ICE-LOC® is intended for potable water systems that freeze.Sewer pipe lines with use of strong chemicals can affect the IceLoc core and unplugging pipes with powered cables would really tangle the IceLoc if it were to be used in this application.

Q: How much ICE-LOC® is needed for residential plumbing?
A: While home sizes vary, the average home has around 300 plus feet of pipe which you will not be able to access much of unless you're in the stage of building a home and have full access to the plumbing during installation. An economical option is to protect only known problem areas; installing ICE-LOC® in the easily accessible pipes such as entry through outside faucets, garages where pipes may be around a water heater and in basements etc. A few key places may be all the protection that is required. Installing several feet of ICE-LOC® into these pipes can help protect plumbing upstream that would otherwise be difficult to access.and will provide a cushion for ice to expand in volumes in proximity to the installed ICE-LOC®. 

Q: Does the whole system require ICE-LOC® to be protected?
A: ICE-LOC  helps protects pipes that it is applied to and pipes in close proximity to the ICE-LOC® . An economical option is to install ICE-LOC® into pipes in known problem areas.

Q: Can ICE-LOC® be used in older plumbing systems?
A: ICE-LOC® can greatly reduce the chance of pipe rupture due to freezing, as long as the pipe integrity remains in descent condition. Remember, even ICE-LOC® may not prevent a pipe from rupturing if the plumbing is already in deteriorated condition such as in very old plumbing.