Burst pipes can make themselves known in many ways. Perhaps you hear the faint sound of dripping water. Maybe you notice an inexplicable puddle or a drop or loss of water pressure.
While not always the case, the situations mentioned above could indicate burst or frozen pipes.
Burst Pipes Cause Serious Damage
Burst pipes most often occur in the winter season. When water freezes inside pipes near exterior walls or outdoor plumbing, water expands, putting pressure on pipes. Further, ice may block pipes, and unfrozen water applies more pressure. All pipes, regardless of the material, can burst when this occurs.
Steps To Take If You Experience Problems With Your Pipes
If you suspect you have a leaky pipe, the first steps you should take are sourcing where the leak originates and turning off the water supply at the main valve. Turning off the electricity to the area and contacting a licensed plumber is also advised.
Many plumbers offer same-day and after-hours services to help in emergencies. Plumbers can replace the busted fittings or pipes, and restore water service.
Tips To Avoid Frozen Pipes
Prevention is vital in keeping your water pipes running. If you’re worried about frozen pipes in your home, here are are some things you can do to keep your pipes flowing freely.
In homes that have plumbing running along exterior walls, open up your tap and allow your sink to drip slowly. By doing so, you’re letting some of the water pressure to release, so it doesn’t build-up.
To keep pipes under sinks working correctly in colder weather, open up cabinet doors to allow warmer air into the area.
Maintaining temperatures of over 55 degrees within your home helps to keep your pipes functioning correctly.
Winterizing offers a solution for unoccupied homes or buildings. Winterizing removes all water from the pipes, eliminating the possibility of burst pipes during a cold spell. Advised for summer homes and vacant properties, winterizing is the official act of ‘closing down’ the house until warmer weather arrives or the property gets occupied.
What To Do After Water Damage
After repairing your pipes, you may have further water damage in your home. Water damage restoration services help to restore impacted drywall, carpeting, insulation, and hardwood flooring.
Unaddressed water damages are problematic. The presence of water and moisture in the structure of your home can lead to the formation of mold, mildew, and rot in the affected areas. Long-term exposure to these contaminants can cause or flare-up health issues, including allergies, respiratory problems, and other ailments.
Water damage restoration services by Doiggs Restoration assist residential and commercial property owners in the Rockwall, Texas, area. Call today for a free estimate.