Undoubtedly, no one in this world wants to deal with the expense, damage, and mess that burst pipes can cause. What exactly causes these pipes to burst during the winter season?
The main reason is that the water coming into your home is much colder during the winter than during the sunny summer months. The cold water makes your pipes contract and can cause the pipe to burst at the weaker parts. This happens because the pipes become too weak to withhold the water pressure inside them.
So if this emergency happens at your home, do the following:
- Find the burst pipe.
- Find where the water shut-off valve is.
- Clean the water that leaked from the burst pipe.
- Contact the plumbers at Proficient Plumbing Solutions.
It can potentially cost a lot of time, money, and energy to repair a burst pipe. The best thing to do is to prevent it in the first place.
What actually causes pipes to burst?
Pipes freeze when the temperature gets below 20 degrees. When the water gets so cold, it freezes and expands, which raises the pressure inside the pipes, ultimately causing them to burst.
This tells us that unheated spaces are extra vulnerable— attics, basements, and garages. Even pipes below your cabinets can freeze and burst, mainly if they are on an exterior wall.
Pipes in your house might already be able to withstand cold temperatures. It all depends on how intense the weather is, the age of your property and pipes, and any upgrade you have made.
Check out these top 6 tips to prevent burst pipes:
1. Garden Hoses.
As you are getting your house ready for winter, take some additional time to completely drain and detach all exterior hoses.
Any leftover liquid in the hose can cause water to freeze and expand, which can cause a blowout at the point of contact between your hose and the pipes heading into your house.
2. Do some DIY insulating.
Products like heat tape or pipe insulation can keep your pipes warm throughout the most frigid winter nights. A local hardware store will have foam insulation which you can easily cut with a knife and wrap around your pipes.
Heat tape may be the best solution for you, but it is high-tech so it is best to call the Proficient Plumbing Solutions team.
3. Keep your faucets running.
You must always keep one or two faucets dripping when you have cold weather. By keeping the water running, it reduces the likelihood of the water freezing and your pipes bursting. Sure, this will increase your water bill a bit, but it is more economical than repairing a burst pipe or installing a new one. Keep the tap open just a little in extremely cold weather to reduce excess water waste and reduce water charges.
4. Keep your heater on.
Cold weather spells disaster for your pipe. It is recommended that you keep your home at an appropriate temperature to decrease the chances of your pipes freezing and bursting.
5. Consider your pipes in your vacation planning.
If you are going away for the holidays, remember to shut off the water to your property at the main valve. Without a water supply, your home’s pipes are less likely to freeze and burst!
6. Keep your garage doors closed.
Keeping the doors of your garage closed is very important if you store supply lines there.
Bonus Tip: Call us!
We are your Texas plumbing pros. We can help to identify, prevent and fix any possible plumbing emergencies before they happen. Our skilled plumbers have years of experience with pipe repairs and re-piping services.
If you are dealing with a burst pipe or water leak, contact Proficient Plumbing at 512.269.0209.
