4 Brilliant Ways to Prevent Pipes from Bursting

Burst pipes in a home can be caused by different factors. The most common cause for this plumbing issue is freezing conditions. Pipe failure can also be caused by usual wear and tear or old age, misuse, and intense physical damage because of great pressure.

Burst pipes are one of the most chaotic plumbing problems any household can undergo. This particular plumbing issue will cause damage to a property and put people out of homes for a number of days. It can also leave people without water and homes for a long period of time.

The first step to avoid having burst pipes in your home is to use pipeline corrosion protection methods. Below are some useful tips for preventing the occurrence of this plumbing problem:

1. Have outside taps and piping insulated. When doing this, don’t forget to include the drain pipes for heating and overflow pipes. Lagging or foam can do a good job of insulating these fixtures, however, it is necessary to make sure that you do not leave any joints, bends or taps uncovered. If you have taps outside, you can insulate them with fitted covers. 

2. Make sure the pipes buried in the ground outside such as pipes that lead to garages or sheds are buried deep enough.

3. Make sure that pipes in unheated areas such as lofts, basements, and garages are lagged with good quality pipe lagging.

4. Before the cold season comes, fix all dripping taps or existing leaks since they can cause pipes to burst. This will prevent pipe corrosion that inevitably happens during wintertime.

In the instance that some pipes have already burst your home, here are some tips you can follow to minimize its effects and the damage they can bring:

Unfortunately, not every burst pipe is characterized by a torrent of water from the ceiling. Damp patches on walls, ceilings, and floors can also be signs of a burst pipe. A decrease in water pressure, unusual noises in the system, and even electrical faults can also indicate burst pipes.

If you think you have a burst pipe, immediately isolate the water from the stopcock. Make sure the stopcock is completely closed. The next thing to do is to open all taps to remove the water from the system.

Move any furniture and belongings immediately from the affected area so that they won’t get too wet.

Do not use electrical devices. Also, keep away from light switches and sockets as they can cause electrocution.

Call an emergency plumber immediately. A qualified plumber will be able to determine if your plumbing issue is really a burst pipe. The plumber will also be able to quickly isolate the burst pipes, identify the cause, and find the ideal solution to the problem.

If you are traveling during the winter months for an extended period of time, one of the first things to do is make sure your heat is set to 55 degrees. Always have a neighbor check on your house to make sure the furnace is working and the heat remains at 55 degrees because if it goes below freezing, you run the risk of a broken pipe.

If you do experience a broken pipe, you must act quickly to prevent further water damage to your home or business. The first thing you must do is shut off the water immediately. Know where the water shut off valve is located and make sure all members of the household are aware of its location and how to shut it off.

If you experience water damage from a burst pipe, contact a local reputable water damage repair company right away. They can advise you on the proper steps to take to clean up and restore your home or business. Taking care of the problem right away can prevent the need for mold remediation later.

If the house will be unoccupied for an extended period of time during winter months, it is a good idea to shut off and drain the water system prior to leaving to prevent frozen pipes. To do this simply turn off the main shut off value, then turn on all the faucets throughout the house. Leave the faucets on until all the water is drained from the pipes, then it is all right to turn them off. If the house will only be unoccupied for a day or two, leave the furnace on low and open all of cupboard doors where water lines are located.

If there is a pipe is suspected to be frozen, do not take any chances, and call a plumber immediately. In the case of a burst pipe shut off the nearest shut off valve, if there is not an isolated valve for that area of piping, shut off the main valve. Call someone offering emergency plumbing services immediately. Failure to do so could result in greater costs and damage.