One particular repair problem got personal for Austin L. Montanti, owner of Montanti Mechanical, a commercial and residential renovation firm based on Staten Island, New York. 

“I purchased an apartment on Staten Island for myself, and quickly realized that the shut-off valves for the kitchen and bathroom sinks didn’t work,” he recalls. 

Time is money for guys like Montanti. “We insist on prompt, professional service,” he says. “And over 10 years, we’ve built a pretty solid network of satisfied customers in the New York City area — with 100% of our business coming from word-of-mouth.” 

That’s why he grew concerned when building managers wouldn’t quickly shut off apartment water. So facing an unacceptable delay of several more hours, Montanti acted fast — and outside the box. 

Pipe freezing kit provides the solution 

He grabbed his new Cold-Shot Pipe Freezing Kit from General Pipe Cleaners. 

General’s innovative, time-saving tool eliminates needs to drain water lines, sprinkler systems or hot-water systems before cutting pipe or tubing. 

Using carbon dioxide in dip tube-type cylinders, Cold-Shot quickly and safely freezes liquids in steel, copper, cast iron, aluminum and plastic pipes, 1/8 inch to 2 inches in diameter. 

With Cold-Shot keeping the system fully pressurized, Montanti rapidly replaced all the valves in just 30 minutes — without closing the main supply or draining any lines before effecting repairs. 

Fast, easy and economical to use 

“It was actually the first time I used it,” Montanti says. “Cold-Shot was really easy to use.” 

Just place the freeze head around the pipe, attach the hose and open the cylinder valve. Liquid carbon dioxide then flows into the tool’s freeze heads and forms dry ice at a temperature of -110 degrees F. That’s cold enough to form an ice pack that withstands 7,000 psi — yet won’t damage lines. 

General’s total package includes 10 sets of freeze heads, two high-pressure spiral hoses with injectors, T-distributor, locking nut, hex head screwdriver, rubber gloves, goggles and carrying case. 

From experience, Montanti figures that Cold-Shot saves his company money, too. Without Cold-Shot, he calculates that conventional valve repair charges would total about $400. “So with Cold-Shot added to our list of Montanti Mechanical services, it quickly pays for itself.” 

Speed and efficiency questions evaporated with Cold-Shot use. General’s product kept Montanti’s apartment water supply fully operational during his spot repairs, despite rather uncooperative apartment managers. 

“And there also seems to be a misconception that freezing pipes is costly and requires expensive refrigeration equipment. Nope!” he says. “I rented the CO2 gas from my local welding supply shop for about $25.” 

The bottom line 

Shortly thereafter, some of Montanti’s clients coincidentally experienced problems with faulty water main valves and Cold-Shot efficiently and safely handled those, as well.

“I’ve never felt compelled enough to write a testimonial about anything in my life,” Montanti says. “But I wrote General thanking them for their detailed design and solid product.” 

Cold-Shot continues providing yeoman service to Montanti Mechanical. “Our Cold-Shot kit continues working amazingly well,” Montanti says. 

To see the Cold Shot in action, visit www.drainbrain.com/coldshot. For more information, contact General Pipe Cleaners at 800-245-6200.

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