When your pipes burst, it can be a nightmare.
Imagine waking up to find that your dishwasher has flooded your kitchen, the toilet has overflowed, and the entire downstairs is underwater. Fixing all of these issues is not only expensive but also extremely stressful.
What if you could stop this from happening? What if you could prevent your pipes from bursting before they started? Keep reading if you want to discover how to do this!
In this article, we will find out what causes burst pipes, what happens if a pipe bursts, and how you can effectively prevent it. From checking for leaks and cracks in the walls of your house to using the right type of pipe for specific needs and situations, we will discuss everything. We will also help you understand when it’s time to call a professional Sewer Repair and Replacement in Columbia and Mid-Missouri for a thorough inspection.
Causes of Burst (Frozen) Pipes
It’s the bane of every homeowner’s existence: a burst pipe. When water leaks from your pipes, it may be a tremendous annoyance—and it’s not even assured that you’ll have the means to replace it right soon.
But what causes burst pipes? Let’s find out.
Inadequate Insulation
If your home isn’t insulated properly, those pipes will freeze faster than ever! You see, insulation keeps heat in by preventing it from escaping through walls and windows when there isn’t enough insulation around your pipes.
Freezing Temperatures
Water in your pipes might freeze when it becomes cold outdoors. This can happen even if your pipes have a tiny quantity of water. If you leave your tap leaking while you’re gone, it might lead to frozen pipes. If the temperature falls below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius) for an extended period of time, your pipes may freeze.
Poorly Sealed or Cracked Pipes
Improperly sealed or cracked pipes will allow moisture to leak into your home’s structure, causing the structure to freeze and crack. You should have an experienced plumber repair these leaks immediately!
Poor Drainage
If your drainage is poor, then standing water can accumulate around your house’s foundation, which will cause it to freeze. This is most common in areas that get frequent heavy rainfalls, like coastal regions or near lakes and rivers.
Exposed Outdoor Pipes
When there is a large gap between your home and the ground, it’s easy for the pipes to freeze and burst. Even in places where snowdrifts aren’t common, freezing temperatures can still cause problems for exposed pipes.
Water Pressure Issues
When water pressure is too high, it can cause damage to the piping system. This is particularly true for older homes that have galvanized steel pipes. The high water pressure can cause the steel to become brittle and crack. Also, when the temperature drops below freezing, the water in your pipes will expand and push against the walls of your pipes, which can cause leaks or breaks.
Blockages or Clogs
If you have tree roots growing into your pipes, this can cause blockages that can lead to burst pipes. It’s also possible for other things like tampons or paper towels to get stuck in the drain, which can cause issues with the flow of water through your home.
Improper Installation
Improperly installed pipes can cause leaks and burst due to damage from freezing temperatures. In addition to checking for leaks, if you have any suspicion that your pipes have been improperly installed, consult a professional plumber for repipe services and immediate assistance.
Aging or Corroded Pipes
The pipes in your home will all age at different speeds, but they all start to lose their strength when they are exposed to water over time. This can cause cracks or breaks in the pipe that could lead to burst (frozen) pipes.
Neglected Maintenance
This is probably the most common cause of burst (frozen) pipes. It’s easy to forget about your repipe maintenance when it’s not an issue… but then one day, BOOM! You have a leaking pipe in your kitchen or bathroom and suddenly have a major problem. If you don’t have a plumber on call who can come over right away and solve the problem for you, it might cost you both time and money—and possibly more if the damage is severe!
Tips to Prevent Burst Pipes
So, you want to avoid burst pipes. Good for you!
If someone told you that all it takes is a little bit of maintenance and some common sense, would you believe them? If they said that the only thing you have to do is make sure everything’s in working order, and if something is wrong (like a clogged drain or a leaky pipe), then just fix it?
Well, you can believe us on this one. All it takes is a little bit of maintenance and common sense to keep your pipes from bursting. Here are our top tips to prevent burst pipes:
Insulate Exposed Pipes
It may sound simple, but insulating your pipes is an awesome place to start if you haven’t already! Insulation keeps them warm in the winter and stops them from freezing, which is one of the leading causes of burst pipes.
If there are any areas where the pipes are exposed—for example, near windows or doors—you should put extra insulation around them to protect them from cold drafts and winds.
Seal Leaks and Cracks
If you have a leaking pipe in your home, don’t ignore it! If a little leak is not addressed fast enough, it might cause significant harm. Seal any cracks or leaks in your plumbing system as soon as possible to prevent them from worsening over time. Make sure any leaks or cracks are sealed with silicone caulk so water cannot get into these areas through those openings anymore!
Proper Insulation in Attics and Basements
When it comes to preventing burst pipes, the most common cause is extreme cold damage. The best way to prevent this is with proper insulation in your attic or basement (depending on where you live). This can be an expensive investment, but it’ll save you money down the line if you don’t spend all of your cash fixing burst pipes!
Drain Exterior Faucets and Sprinkler Systems
Exterior faucets should always be drained during winter to prevent them from freezing over. This can also prevent damage during other harsh weather conditions like heavy rain or snowstorms by preventing ice buildup on exterior plumbing fixtures such as gutters and downspouts.
If you have an irrigation system in your yard that uses sprinklers, make sure they are properly shut off before winter hits so that there’s no chance of any damage due to freezing temperatures or heavy snowfall accumulation on top of them!
Let Faucets Drip During Freezing Temperatures
When it’s freezing outside, let your faucets drip. The water will keep the pipes from freezing and bursting, which can cause water damage to your home.
Professional Inspections
If you haven’t been around for a while, consider hiring a professional repiping Columbia, MO expert to check out your plumbing system and make sure everything is running smoothly. It’s better to get an early diagnosis than wait until you have a full-blown problem!
Importance of Professional Pipe Maintenance Before Cold Months
If you’ve ever spent a cold winter night trying to sleep in a freezing room, you know how fundamental it is to prevent your pipes from freezing.
While you may be tempted to put off maintenance until the coldest days have passed, this can be costly. Here are five reasons why you should schedule professional pipe maintenance and repair service:
- It’s less expensive to prevent damage than repair it later on.
- You don’t want to be stuck with a burst pipe that’s leaking water all over your floor during a cold snap!
- It prevents pipe corrosion and rusting caused by water freezing inside the pipes.
- If you don’t keep a check on your pipes, they may freeze and explode when the temperature outside falls below freezing!
- Waiting too long may cost you more than just money; it may also cost you time and peace of mind.
- Don’t wait until it’s too late! Start planning now for how to protect your pipes from winter weather so that both your wallet and sanity remain intact throughout the season!
Call Master Tech Plumbing – Your Trusted Sewer Repair and Maintenance Plumber in Columbia
Whether you need a quick fix or a more permanent solution to your drainage issues, Master Tech Plumbing can help! Our staff of expert plumbers has been serving the Columbia area for over 30 years. From simple clogs to major repairs, we have seen it all.
Our team is available 24/7 to provide you with fast service, so you never have to wait around all day while we try to figure out what’s wrong with your plumbing! We offer a wide range of plumbing services, including:
– Sewer Repair and Replacement
– Drain cleaning for residential homes and businesses
– Smelly Pipes and Drains
– Leaky Pipes
– Water Heater Repair & Installation
– Tankless water heater installation and repair
Our team of experts for Sewer Repair and Replacement in Columbia and Mid-Missouri will give you the best advice on how to maintain your home’s plumbing system so that you can avoid future problems. We’ll make sure your drains are always flowing smoothly and that your water is safe to drink!
We also have 24/7 emergency services available. So no matter what time of day or night it is, if something goes wrong in your pipes, we’ll be there ASAP!
Call us today at (573) 777-3660 to schedule an appointment with Columbia Plumbers.
