7 tips to Avoid Burst Pipes
Burst pipes in your home can be a devastating experience. Depending on the location of the pipes as well as how long the water flowed into your home, burst pipes can wreak havoc on the interior of your home. A home with multiple stories that has a burst pipe on an upper floor may become uninhabitable if the damage is extensive. If no one was home and water spewed into the home, every floor and most of the walls could be affected. As soon as it is detected, an emergency plumber should be contacted to immediately to stop the flow and shore up the damaged pipe . A water remediation company will need to remove all the water and dry the floors and walls before mold develops. Call your insurance company as they will need to access the damage. After all these steps, the process of repairing your home can begin. Unfortunately, this is not a quick or easy process.
What causes Burst Pipes?
Burst pipes often occur due to freezing temperatures outside. Water pipes in the home that are not properly insulated or installed in areas that become very cold. Areas located by an outside wall or in the uninsulated roof area are usually the culprit. The water that flows through these pipes can freeze, and when water freezes, it expands. This can split a pipe open or damage a joint. When the water thaws, that water will instantly flow through the damaged pipe into your home, saturating everything in its wake. Unfortunately, when you purchase a home, it is nearly impossible to visibly check all internal plumbing. Many homes have additions that are not original plumbing, and many are repaired by the homeowner, who may have little plumbing experience. There are, however, things you can do to protect against burst pipes.
How to avoid Burst Pipes
There are a few things you can do to reduce the chance of your pipes freezing and creating a problem by lessening the damage caused by them.
1.Bump up the heat. Increasing the temperature in your home over the cooler months just might be enough to avoid frozen water in your pipes. Open kitchen cabinets under the sink at night.
2. Repair water drips and leaks before winter.
3. Always hire a professional plumber when repairing or installing plumbing fixtures or pipes to ensure proper work.
4. Detach hoses from exterior spigots during cold weather. Lingering water from the hose that sits in the interior pipes can freeze.
5. Install frost proof exterior spigots.
6. When traveling, kept the heat on in your home and have someone check on your home every other day, especially when the temperatures drops consistently below freezing.
7.Know how and where to turn off the water supply to your home. There are 2 locations, One at the street and one to the home. This may require a special tool.
Emergency Plumber available 24/7
Hopefully, burst pipes are something you will never have to deal with, but if you do, knowing a quality emergency plumber is critical. Lower Plumbing, Heating, and Air in Topeka, KS is available 24/7. The faster the plumbing can be fixed, the faster the rest of the home restoration process can begin. Lower will come out immediately to fix your plumbing issue or burst pipes. They can also help with other plumbing needs. Home additions or new construction is their specialty. Rely on Lower for all your plumbing needs, every day or emergency home or office. Call (785) 357-5123 for immediate assistance.
This article was originally published in December 2017 and has been recently updated.
