How Homeowners Can Avoid Burst Pipes
A burst pipe can quickly cause significant damage to a house. It can flood the floors, wreck the drywall, and even damage the electrical system. It requires emergency plumbing repairs to fix the pipe and stop more water from entering the home. It will also necessitate extensive, costly repairs inside the house to repair the water damage.
Fortunately, by knowing some of the most common causes of a burst pipe, homeowners can learn some ways to help prevent it. Here are some tips for how homeowners can help prevent the causes of burst pipes.
Clogs
One of the common reasons for a burst pipe is a clog in the line. Blockages can add pressure to the line, resulting in the pipe bursting. Homeowners can help prevent clogs from forming by following key tips from plumbers. For one, they should schedule regular drain cleaning services to remove any build-up and fix clogged pipes. Hydro jet drain cleaning can be used not just to clear clogs but also to prevent them.
Homeowners can also use mesh screens over their drains to catch debris and hair before it goes down the drain. Another way to help prevent clogs is not to put food waste down the drain, especially certain items like eggshells, coffee grounds, pasta, cooking oils, fats, and grease. Homeowners should also ensure to only flush toilet paper down the toilet.
Freezing
During the colder months, pipe freezing is a major risk homeowners must help prevent to prevent burst pipes. If they freeze, the water can expand as it freezes, causing the lines to burst. Fortunately, homeowners can take steps to avoid frozen pipes and burst pipes caused by them.
Plumbers recommend that property owners add pipe insulation to any exposed pipes to protect them from the cold temperatures and prevent them from freezing. Other ways to help prevent frozen pipes are to turn off the outdoor water supply if possible, disconnect garden hoses, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to flow by the lines. On extremely cold nights, property owners can keep warm water dripping to keep the water flowing and prevent freezing.
Corrosion
Pipes that are corroded or decayed are also at risk of bursting. The corrosion can harm the structure of the line, causing it to burst. To prevent pipes from bursting due to pipe corrosion, homeowners should get routine plumbing maintenance done by a plumber. During maintenance, they can inspect the piping, identify signs of corrosion, and help prevent it from spreading.
Homeowners should also be aware of the signs of decay and corrosion in their pipes to spot them quickly and have them fixed before they can burst. Some signs of corrosion and deterioration in pipes include:
- Discolored water
- Water has a metallic smell
- Low water pressure
About S.D.H. Plumbing & Heating
S.D.H. Plumbing & Heating is a family-owned and operated company serving Waltham and the surrounding areas. They offer same-day services, the latest technology, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them today for plumbing services in Waltham, MA.