With winter comes cold temperatures that often dip down and remain below freezing (32 ℉). When freezing temperatures are sustained long enough, exposed or improperly insulated pipes can burst from the expanding pressure of the water inside as it turns to ice. This is a nightmare to a property owner, but ignorance to this information does not protect you from the consequence.
Thus, in this article, alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com will discuss some of the causes of pipe bursts, and how to diminish the possibility and protect your property throughout the coldest months of the year.
What Can Cause Pipe Bursts
First, a burst is a serious breach of structure and opening along a pipe that often occurs during freezing temperatures which causes water to rapidly flow out of it. The following are some of the reasons why pipes burst and what it takes to prevent it from happening.
1. High Water Pressure – The water pressure coming into your home should be regulated to match the capacity of your plumbing. If the water pressure exceeds the recommended limit, it is very likely that during a freeze, the added pressure from the freezing water will result in it bursting through the pipes.
Solution: Know the pressure rating for your specific plumbing; make proper adjustments at the property’s connection to its water source.
2. Damaged and Poor Insulation – When your property’s insulation is damaged, poorly installed or missing, freezing air is allowed to make its way to your pipes. If the freeze is sustained long enough, the water inside the pipes will freeze and cause them to burst.
Solution: Inspect all of the exposed insulation in the attic or basement to ensure its proper installation and adherence to the inner wall. Inspect the inside of the outer walls throughout the property to make certain all drywall or boarding is undamaged and properly affixed.
3. Exposed Pipes – Pipes directly exposed to freezing weather are the first to freeze and burst.
Solution: Insulate the pipes with a heating tape or wrap them in protective insulation. If you are unable to get to all of the exposed pipes, leave a faucet open to a slight drip which keeps the water moving, and provides an escape for excess pressure.
4. Heating System Malfunction – If your heating system should malfunction or is left off during a sustained freeze, poorly insulated pipes throughout the home could be compromised.
Solution: do not shut your heating system off in the coldest winter months. Other than that, performing or scheduling seasonal maintenance on your HVAC unit will keep it running at peak efficiency throughout the year, but more importantly during the cold winter months.
What To Do If a Pipe Burst
In the event there is a pipe burst, you must take immediate action to prevent costly water damage from ravaging your home. Follow these steps to reduce the severity of damage, and its residual effects.
Cut the Water Supply – Located near the water meter (outside), in the basement, or the utility room, immediately locate the water supply valve and shut it off to the entire property.
Locate the Burst Pipe(s) – Track down and try to locate where the burst(s) has/have occurred. This information is important to give to the plumber, water removal technician, and for your insurance claim (if needed).
Eliminate Electrical Hazards – If the pipe burst has allowed enough water to spread and pool in your property, contact with a light switch, electronic device, or appliance can cause an arc and potential for you to be shocked or fatally electrocuted.
If you cannot safely shut the water or the electricity off, remove your family and pets from the home to an otherwise safe location. More information on managing a burst pipe visit alpharettawaterdamageremoval.com/ga-services/broken-leaking-burst-pipes/
A Water Emergency Requires an Expert Response
When disasters like this happen, make sure to get immediate professional help in mitigating the effects of free flowing or pooling water. The faster the repairs are made and the water extraction is performed, the better the results will be.
Protecting your home, commercial property, or office goes far beyond preventative measures. Knowing what to do and who to call during a flood or emergency can save time, money, and reduce the headache that’s involved with an already stressful situation.
Prior to having the need, identify and save to your contacts a 24 hour emergency plumber and water damage removal company. Time is of the essence when you consider approximately 100 gallons of water can escape a burst pipe in an hour. Review this information and be prepared in the event that you have a burst pipe.
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