Over time, the pH balance of the water will cause corrosion as the coating of the pipes becomes worn. This can also cause lead poisoning which can be harmful. Corrosion and rust build up will cause your pipes to narrow and eventually a burst will occur or the pipe will just become completely blocked by the rust.
Corrosion is inevitable over time and, therefore, not preventable; however, you can slow it down. A factor involved in corroding pipes is bacteria such as legionella that is present in the water. Water chlorination is a way to deal with this problem; however, as this method can occasionally increase bacteria in your pipes you will need to call in an expert who will study the water pH levels before treating your pipes. If a frozen garden hose is left, it may possibly cause a pipe to burst.
The hose once expanded with ice will cause the pressure in the pipes to build. This is one of the easiest ways to protect your home from damage. Simply make sure that before the cold weather comes you disconnect hoses from pipes and store them away safely for spring. Many people, especially those who have retired, prefer to head for sunnier climates during the cold weather, meaning that their homes are at particular risk of damage from burst pipes.
Not just that but since the damage is unlikely to be discovered immediately then the damage can be extensive. Once again you will need to ensure that you leave the home heated to no less than 55 Fahrenheit.
Before you leave close off your water supply and take the additional step of having a neighbor check your home regularly especially during cold snaps. If you live in a particularly cold area and have had burst pipes in the past then you may want to consider obtaining the services of a plumber to attend your home and carry out an inspection and take appropriate actions if needed.
To avoid costly repairs coming from your own pocket the final and perhaps most important tip is to make sure you are insured before any damage occurs. If you are not covered, you need to update your policy so that you are. Most insurers will cover damage to pipes but not if you leave them unfixed until they do burst so check them regularly for signs of damage.
Check the terms and conditions of the policy and make sure you comply with those. Experian provides an affordable way for customers to both monitor and repair their credit. Learn about all that Experian has to offer in our review. The vast majority of this age group, 87 percent, wishes to age in place, meaning they To avoid costly repairs coming from your own pocket is to make sure you are insured before any damage occurs.
Resources About Us Contact Us. Repairing a Burst Pipe If you find that the pipe has burst, however, the first thing you need to do is to deal with the water damage. Why Do Pipes Burst? The four main reasons for bursting pipes are: Frozen Pipes Moving Pipes Water Pressure Corrosion We will take a look at causes and the steps you can take to deal with burst pipes in the next section of this guide. Freezing Temperatures The problem with extreme cold weather is that when the water freezes and becomes ice it expands in your pipes.
Tips You can prevent this type of damage occurring during cold snaps by turning on faucets and releasing a steady flow of water. Water Hammer Damage If you have ever heard pipes that bang and clang inside of the home when you turn on the water then this is called water hammer. Tips If you hear the sound of water hammer in your home then take steps to have a professional secure the affected pipes.
Water Pressure Issues Another problem associated with burst pipes is water pressure. Tips You can check out the water pressure easily by using a pressure gauge. Tips A factor involved in corroding pipes is bacteria such as legionella that is present in the water. The pipe areas upstream of the blockage aren't typically in danger of bursting because the pressure isn't great enough.
In this case, the water isn't blocked, and can always retreat back to its source. Rather, the resulting pressure from unfrozen water between the ice and closed faucet is the primary cause of ruptures in frozen pipes. After a pipe has frozen and begins to thaw, the pressure caused by the water that begins to rush through the pipe threatens to cause a pipe to burst.
Misconception: Pipes in homes in northern climates are more vulnerable to freezing. Generally, houses in northern climates are built with pipes located on the inside of the building insulation. This usually protects them from subfreezing weather, although extreme cold, insufficient insulation and holes that allow cold air to come into contact with pipes can still lead to freezing and bursting.
Extreme temperatures and the high demand of water can make pipes vulnerable and more susceptible to bursts. Regular maintenance can help prevent problems like this by reinforcing your pipes. There are no practical ways of heating the ground temperature around your home, so stopping the contraction caused by the cold water is not something you can control.
Our advice is to be mindful of your plumbing system as the temperatures change and check to see if you have any leaks. While we can't stop the leaks caused by temperature drops, there are things you can do to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Here is a list of eight things that you can do to avoid water pipe bursts:. If it is extremely cold outside, always keep one or two faucets running slowly. Water moving through the system should prevent the line from freezing.
Often, the pipes that freeze are located near an outside wall or a window, so be sure to direct warm air to any colder areas of your home. Start in your basement and look for any pipes near the exterior of the home. If your kitchen sink is on an outside wall as it usually is , be sure to leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air into the cabinet. Your kitchen faucet is usually to leave on during extremely cold weather. Be sure to disconnect your hose from the outside faucet.
If you leave your hose connected, water is not able to drain out of your hose bib and will freeze and break the device. There is a product called heat tape that can be installed and will warm pipes as needed during cold weather.
While you could do this yourself, you may want to consult with an Indianapolis plumber to learn some best practices. Seal leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. Prevent temperatures from dropping below 32 degrees in any area of your home where water lines are located.
An expert licensed plumber will be able to locate potential pipe bursts and prevent them from happening. Don't hesitate to contact us here are Hope Plumbing to receive tips and expertise on what you can do to prevent your home's water pipes from bursting.
Related: How to Prevent Frozen Pipes.
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