Let’s face it, no one wants to deal with the damages, cost, or the messy cleanup burst pipes can cause. But what are some of the main causes of pipe burst during the winter? When water coming into your house from outside is colder than it was during the summer months, your pipes contract. This leads to unnecessary strain on weaker parts of the pipes, leading them to burst as the pipe becomes unable to withhold the water pressures inside it.
Know The Warning Signs
Luckily, frozen pipes can be detected and dealt with early. If you notice that no water is coming out of your faucet when you turn it on, check to make sure that the water is still running and that there is no leak in the basement. After that, make sure none of your pipes have burst by continuing your inspection. Going forward if your pipes are frozen but have not ruptured, you have a few options to choose from, but our best advice narrows it down to 2:
You can hire a plumber to thaw your pipes. This is usually the better option if you don’t think you can safely thaw the pipes yourself, you don’t know where the frozen pipes are, or you can’t reach the frozen area.
Or if you have faith in your handyman abilities, try thawing them on your own. However, our legal team told us that we need to leave a warning that this could be a potentially hazardous choice.
It Isn’t Always Cold Weather
Pretty much everyone is aware that pipes can burst during the winter, but did you know that it can happen during the warmer seasons too? Extreme temperatures and the higher water usage can put just as much strain on pipes, making them vulnerable and more susceptible to bursts. Regular maintenance can help prevent problems like this by reinforcing your pipes.
Preventing Pipe Bursts
Our general advice is to be mindful of your plumbing system as the temperatures change and check to see if you have any leaks. While we can’t stop the leaks caused by temperature drops, there are things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Here’s a list of a few things that you can do to help prevent pipe bursts:
Don’t Foget To Run Your Faucets!
If it is frigid outside, try to make sure you run every faucet once or twice a week. Water moving through the system should prevent the line from freezing.
Make Sure Your House Is Insulated
Leaks in your insulation can let the cold winter air into your home where pipes are located. Check for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze.
Regulate The Temperature Inside
Usually people will go on vacation during the colder months and think that they’re saving a few by turning off the heat while they’re gone. More often than not, they come back to pipes that cost them more than what they saved. Make sure to keep your home above freezing while you’re gone. A little cost of heating could save you a lot of cost in repairs!
If All Else Fails, Turn To An Expert!
An expert licensed professional will be able to locate any potential bursts and help you prevent them from happening. Don’t hesitate to contact us here at Total Restoration for any tips or expertise on what you can do to keep your home’s water pipes safe and secure.
Total Restoration Industries is proud to be a family-owned and operated company. With over 30 years of business, we have seen almost everything and weathered every storm. No matter the volume, no matter the time, we’ve handled it all. Our experience and knowledge combined so that we can better help our customers restore whatever they need and achieve peace of mind. No other company can handle volume and demand with the same care that we do!
