A Damaged Pipe Can Lead to Cause Water Damage to Your Floor and Belongings.
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?
Ice Caused This Pipe to Burst.
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.
Roots From a Tree Can Wreak Havoc on Your Pipes.
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.