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
Pipe Bursts Can Cause Hundreds of Dollars in Damages Very Quickly.
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.