Prevent Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can waste money, cause extensive water damage, and can be more than a slight inconvenience, none of which are easier to deal with in the winter. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and you are one step closer to avoiding this headache if you know why your pipes break in the first place. Below are some of the typical reasons your pipes might burst and how you can help prevent it from happening
Freezing
Water expands when it freezes. If the expansion occurs inside plumbing pipes, the pressure might be too much for the pipes. Here are some preventative measures to keep your water pipes from freezing:
- Don’t lower the temperature in your home too much – you may save on your energy bill but end up paying elsewhere
- Let the taps trickle
- Insulate your pipes
- Prevent cold drafts from outside
- If your pipes do freeze, call a plumber as soon as possible.
Under Pressure
High water pressure can also overwhelm and burst your pipes. Typical causes of high water pressure include:
- High pressure from the utility company
- Clogged pipes
- Improper adjustment of pressure valves
If you have an issue with high water pressure, try to lower it by:
- Adjusting the water pressure valve
- Installing a water pressure regulator if you don’t have one
- Having a plumber clean or replace the affected pipes
- In case of a sudden high pressure that you can’t control, turn off the water and call an emergency plumber.
Corrosion
Metal water pipes are susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion can cause pipe damage in two main ways. Corrosion can weaken the pipes and lowers the maximum pressure they can withstand. It can also clog pipes which increasing the water pressure in the pipe prompting it to burst.
Most plumbing pipes have been treated with anti-corrosive now, but the treatments wear out after some time. Causes of corrosion include:
- High water pressure
- High water temperature
- Minerals in water
- Water acidity
You cannot avoid corrosion completely, but you can slow it down.
- Treat your water to minimize corrosive agents
- Ensure water pressure is not too high — 45 to 55 psi is best, anything above 80 psi is dangerous
- Don’t overheat your water — around 120 degrees Fahrenheit is reasonable
- Use non-metallic pipes where possible
- Replace pipes that are already corroded so that they don’t burst.
Age
All plumbing materials age and deteriorate with time, though some do age faster than others. Older pipes tend to be weaker than relatively new pipes and less likely to endure damage than when they were new.
An aged plumbing pipe, for example, is more likely to burst due to high water pressure than new pipes. Like everything else in your home, you should have a basic understanding of the lifespan of your plumbing pipes so you can keep an eye on them.
Despite your best intentions, your water pipes might burst without warning. Fortunately, Homeservice Club contractors have the skills, experience, and equipment to take care of it.
Contact us about your plumbing issue, and we will get your system up and running in no time.
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