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Water leaking on your floor from a damaged pipe can cause a lot of panic and a lot of stress. It is important to know how to respond to a damaged pipe, so that you can minimize the consequences that follow as a result.

What Causes a Pipe to Burst?

Though pipe bursts are most common in the winter because of the water freezing within them, a pipe can burst at any moment. There are a lot of factors that can cause the integrity of your pipes to decrease, leaving you and your home at risk of dealing with a damaged pipe. Because knowledge is power and helps you react better to varying circumstances, we have gone through the different factors that can cause a pipe to burst.

Rust

Your pipes naturally wear down over time. Wear and tear over time can lead to rust and leave your pipe weakened. The type of materials used for your pipes, the quality of the water in them, and how often you use your water cause the wear and tear of your pipes to either speed up or slow down. In order to have best protection against a broken pipe, it is important to get your pipes inspected once a year to ensure that they are still holding strong.

Hard Water

Your pipes are susceptible to damage from hard water, which is water that has high traces of magnesium and calcium. These substances weaken your pipes over time, as they cause a chemical reaction with the material of your pipes resulting in corrosion. Over time, these substances can also cause a build up inside your pipes, restricting the flow of water and increasing the pressure.

Poor Installation

No matter how well you take care of your pipes, they are only as strong as the team that installed them. If your pipes were installed incorrectly, this could lead to cracks in the seams, or connection, of your pipes. if you notice that your pipes are having an issue and they are recently installed, it is important that you called a plumbing specialist right away.

If you are in the Fort Worth, TX and are in need of plumbing services, turn to the team at True Plumbing. We can help you restore the integrity of your pipes. Give us a call at 817-542-1980 for more information.

Signs That Your Pipes Are Weak

Its good that you know what causes a pipe to become weakened and burst, but it is even more important to know what are the warning signs that you have a potential problem.

Stains on Your Walls

Brown or dark coloring spots on your wall are indications that water is leaking somewhere behind them. This is a sign of a damaged pipe, and though it hasn’t burst yet, it could very well be on its way.

Discolored Water

If you turn on your faucet and notice that the water coming out of it is a brownish yellow, then your pipes are rusted. It is important to get a repair team, such as the team at True Plumbing, to help you replace the damaged pipe before it can cause a larger problem.

Lower Water Pressure

Lower water pressure is the sign that your pipes are partially frozen or there is a build-up of dirt or debris in your pipes. Whatever the case, this is a major problem, as the pressure in your pipes will continue to increase which can lead to a burst if the problem is not taken care of.

What to Do if Your Pipes Burst

If your pipe bursts, the main priority that you have is to stop the flow of water. You can accomplish this by turning off the water supply to your home. It is then essential that you call your nearest plumbing company to help repair the pipe so you can avoid future damages. Another thing you need to do is assess the water damage and sop up as much of the water as you can to avoid any more.

Most homeowner’s insurance companies will help you cover the cost of water damage, as a pipe burst should be covered by your policy.

How Do You Fix a Broken Pipe?

The best way to fix a broken pipe is to call a plumbing service, such as True Plumbing, in order to make sure that the pipe is fixed correctly. We can also do an inspection of the other pipes to ensure that there is not another potential disaster waiting to happen.

Is There a Temporary Fix for a Burst Pipe?

Yes, there are some options for a temporary fix if you are not able to get in hold of plumber. Here are a couple of ideas for you to try.

• Use Electrical Tape or Duct Tape to Cover Small Holes. 
• Use Epoxy Putty to Clog the Hole
• Put a Pipe Repair Clamp Around the Damaged Area

Remember, these are only temporary fixes to hold long enough for you to get in contact with a plumber. They are not meant for the long term. Though there are long term fixes out there, they are not as secure as getting a repair or a replacement from a professional.

What to Do if Your Pipes Are Frozen?

The best defense against a damaged pipe bursting from being frozen is to prevent them from becoming that way in the first way. You can accomplish this by turning on all your faucets when you know that the temperatures are going to reach extreme lows. Moving water is a lot harder to freeze than water that is standing still.

If your pipes do become frozen though, there are a few steps you can follow to help you unfreeze them without damage.

Turn Off Your Home’s Water Supply 

Always make sure your home’s water supply is turned off before you attempt to thaw your pipes or work on them. This will help you stop any problems before they occur, and keep your home safe from water damage.

You can then use a hair dryer or space heater to warm the area along your pipes. Make sure you have a towel or bucket on hand, as any cracks in your pipes may become more noticeable as the water thaws, causing it to gush out all over your floor.

A Few More Tips

Make sure you always know where the main water valve is. This way, when there is an emergency concerning your pipes, you know how to shut if off to avoid damage.

If you are planting a new tree in your yard, make sure you consult a professional. Roots from trees can cause problems for pipes underneath your home or under the ground in your yard. Damages from this kind of problem is a bit more expensive to fix, since you are dealing with a broken pipe and a tree.

Turn to a Plumbing Company You Can Trust

If would like a pipe inspection or you are looking for a damaged pipe repair in Fort Worth, TX, then call True Plumbing to schedule an appointment so that we can help you get your life back together. You can reach us by dialing 817-542-1980. 

As Winter gets closer, there are many tasks around your home that should be completed to ensure that your family stays comfortable and your energy bill stays low. Heating maintenance and repair should be performed no matter what type of unit you have to ensure that it’s operating properly and efficiently. Shingles should be inspected and repaired as necessary, and, if needed, replaced with an energy efficient option such as Certainteed Shingles. Lastly, perhaps the most important and most forgotten task, ensure that your plumbing is well-insulated and ready to withstand freezing temperatures to prevent pipe bursts.

What You Should Know About Pipe Bursts

The most common question plumbers are asked during a frozen pipe call is, “Why did my pipes burst?” Pipe bursts can occur for multiple reasons, from tree root overgrowth to foundation shifts. However, the most common reason for pipe bursts is because of frozen water within the pipe which expands, breaking the pipe. This is why pipe bursts in Winter are much more common. When a pipe burst occurs, it can flood your home, yard, or both, causing costly and time-consuming damages. So, how do you know if your pipes burst? If you have a burst pipe, you may notice any of these signs:

• Increased water bill
• Decreased water pressure
• Warm spots in the floor where water is seeping through the concrete slab
• Water spots or stains on flooring, walls, or even ceilings
• Green areas in the yard with no legitimate explanation
• Puddles, muddy areas, or standing water throughout your yard with no explanation

While these aren’t the only signs of a burst pipe, they are the most common. If you think you have a burst pipe, call an expert immediately to prevent further damages.

What do You do When a Pipe Bursts?

If you have a pipe burst in your home, the first thing to do is to locate and turn off the main water valve. This valve is typically in a city service box and can be turned counterclockwise to turn off. Once your water is off, inspect your home for signs of damage and standing water. Once you have inspected your home and property, call the following professionals:

• Insurance Company: Whether or not a burst pipe is covered by insurance depends on many factors, one of which is timeliness of the claim.
• Professional Plumbing Team: Don’t trust just anyone to repair a serious problem like a burst pipe. Instead call an experienced, licensed plumber to complete the job correctly.
• Flood Restoration Experts: If your home’s interior has been flooded, a restoration team may be needed to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and rot throughout your home.

Calling the right professionals quickly can not only save you time and hassle but can also save you money on repairs, cleanup, and other tasks that can get worse as time goes on.

What Happens When Frozen Pipes Burst?

As water freezes inside your pipes in cold weather, it causes expansion within the pipe. This causes the material of the pipe to stretch until it finally creates cuts or tears in the pipe itself. This causes rushing water from built up pressure in the line.

Do Plastic Pipes Burst?

While plastic pipes have more give than copper or aluminum and are often used only inside, they can burst in the right conditions. EVen minimally stretched plastic pipes can burst over time from wear of constant pressure on the weakened area.

How do I Winterize My Water Pipes?

Simple insulation can help prevent most pipe freezing. This can be done with plastic wrapping, foam insulators, or even styrofoam pipe protectors. Each of these options prevents water from freezing inside your pipes and causing leaks or flooding.

Other Measures for Preventing Pipe Bursts

Although the most common reason, freezing pipes is not the only cause of pipe bursts. Many pipes are damaged through overgrown tree roots that pierce the pipe and cause a leak. Still, other pipe leaks are caused by foundation shifts that can stem from poor drainage, shifting soil, or even growing tree roots.

Ensuring that your roof system, as well as your gutters, are in optimal condition helps to prevent flooding around your home that can cause foundation shifts. Regular tree root service can also prevent problems by trimming the chances of root pierces. Soil and foundation shifts can also be prevented with regular watering of your property to keep soil underneath your home from settling.

If you have noticed signs that you have a burst pipe in the Fort Worth, TX area, call the True Plumbing experts today. We can help locate your pipe burst, identify and eliminate the problem, and prevent future costly bursts. When you need pipe burst repair in Fort Worth, TX that you can count on, don’t call just any plumbing team. Call the True Plumbing experts at 817-542-1980 for quick service you can trust.

Slab leaks are when a water pipe beneath your home’s foundation has burst and has been leaking water for quite some time. Because the pipes burst pipe walls or under floors, the leaks can do undetected for months as there is no physical evidence of pooled water. Instead, the water pools behind the wall or floor, pushing your foundation out of alignment. Slab leaks can cause your foundation, walkways, and outdoor gardens and Majestic Outdoor Lighting lamps to shift. If slab leaks are not taken care of, mold growth, complete foundation replacement, and repiping are consequences. Call True Plumbing at 817-542-1980 and we can perform slab leaks detection or repair services in Fort Worth, TX and stop the damages before they become worse and extremely costly. If you are unsure where the slab leak is, we can use our slab leak detection equipment consisting of electromagnetic trackers and infrared inspection cameras to locate the leaks behind your foundation. Slab leak repair is expensive, but there are slab leak repair in Fort Worth, TX. options to help you reduce the cost and help save your foundation and home. These include repiping or tunneling.

Signs You Have a Slab Leak

• mold growth on your walls or ceiling
• water stains on your ceiling
• large cracks in your floors, ceiling, and walls
• the flooring has shifted or lifted up
• you hear running water behind your walls
• increase in your water bill
• soil shifts around your home
• discolored flooring

If you’re fortunate, you’ll never have to deal with a clogged sewer line. It’s stinky business! The potential backflow problems and yard leaks can result in some costly repair projects, unless you have an expert that can easily locate the problem. In the meantime, here are some common ways sewer line clogs occur, plus how you can avoid them!

What Causes a Clogged Sewer Line?

Knowing the source of the problem is the first step towards fixing it. There are a few usual suspects when it comes to clogged sewer lines, such as:

• Mineral Deposits
• Flushed Trash
• Pipe Corrosion
• Tree Roots
• Shifting Earth

As you can see, these hazards are a blend of internal and external forces working against your pipes. If you start to notice sewer water seeping up through the ground, these are the typical causes.

What Solutions are Available for Me?

Thankfully, most of these issues are easily manageable. If your home regularly deals with dirt and mineral deposits in your sewer pipes, you’ll want to consider a whole house water filtration system. This may also help slow the rate of pipe corrosion, though far gone pipes should be quickly replaced. If a tree is the culprit behind your clogged sewer line, you might need to contact your local Fort Worth tree removal service. Tree roots can crack and grow into your pipes, so you don’t want them growing next to your sewer line or main water line.

Schedule Your Professional Sewer Line Repair!

Has your home been hit by a nasty sewer line clog? We’d love to help you take care of it quickly! Call our office at 817-542-1980 for True Plumbing sewer line repair.

When it comes to areas prone to flash flooding, North Texas takes the cake. In a climate where rain can appear unexpectedly at any time, having a sturdy sump pump is just common wisdom for homeowners. If you live in a neighborhood that’s prone to flash floods however, sometimes a sump pump alone won’t cut it.

Why Do Sump Pumps Fail?

Sump pumps are hardworking machines. Few machines can go from months of inactivity to extended hours of fierce operation without burning out, but your sump pump manages alright. However, this stress can eventually wear down your pump and cause burnout or power loss, especially in battery powered models. If that does happen during a heavy rain storm, you could be left with knee-high water in your basement.

Protecting Your Home During a Flash Flood

So how can you avoid this catastrophe? There are a few go-to solutions for preventing this severe home damage, including:

• Choosing a Water-Powered Pump
• Installing a Backup Pump
• Alternative Home Improvements

Battery powered pumps can be effective, but you need to know when that battery will run out. If you don’t have some measure of control over that, an alternative power source might be better for your home. Water-powered pumps are generally more expensive than other models, but you don’t have to worry about them running out of steam during a thunderstorm. If you already have a sump pump installed, that’s great. If your pump has been working overtime lately, it’s still prudent to consider a backup with an alternative power source, just in case a power outage knocks out your primary.

There are additional steps you can take to protect your property. For instance, if you notice your gutters aren’t doing their job of directing water away from the house, having them repaired is critical to your water protection. You’ll want to find a Fort Worth gutter installation service that can restore your gutter system and direct water away from your house, which will reduce the strain on your sump pumps. You may also want to consult a landscaping pro if your yard naturally directs rain towards the house.

Professional Installation and Repairs for Your Pumps

If you’re wondering what sort of primary or backup sump pump would work best for your home, feel free to talk with one of our courteous plumbers at True Plumbing. You can reach us anytime for questions at 817-542-1980. Sump Pump repairs are some of the most common plumbing leads we receive so We’d be happy to provide maintenance for your property’s plumbing system.