Protecting the Home From Burst Pipes This Winter
A burst pipe can mean the total destruction of a house since it can allow hundreds of gallons of water to rush into a home per hour. The longer the water is allowed to flow, the worse the water damage will get. This causes massive flooding and requires immediate emergency remediation. Extensive damage to the house’s structure and the property inside takes place, often destroying irreplaceable items. Sometimes, burst pipes can go unnoticed for several days, such as if the residents happened to be away on vacation, only to return to a nightmare.
In this article, plumbing experts offer tips to protect the home and pipes from winter damage.
The Dangers of Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can cause extensive damage to real and personal property. Flooding occurs, allowing water to accumulate quickly in the area beneath the pipe before it spreads to other areas of the home. Flooring will usually warp and buckle. Even the concrete flooring of a basement is susceptible to damage by flooding.
A plumber will need to make an emergency call to the property to shut off the water supply and repair the burst pipe. The water will need to be pumped or drained to get the flooding under control. The water damage requires remediation to be completed by a team of professionals to conduct a thorough dry-out. Measures will need to be taken to prevent harmful, potentially toxic mold and mildew from growing.
An insurance claim will need to be filed, which is time-consuming and often frustrating. An itemized list of the damage will need to be completed with an adjuster. It will then be determined which items are salvageable versus the things that must be replaced.
How Insulating the Pipes Can Help
Insulating the pipes can help reduce the risk of freezing and bursting. Insulation is a relatively inexpensive and simple way to keep the pipes from reaching temperatures below freezing. This is particularly important in areas where pipes are vulnerable such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation should be used liberally to be most effective in preventing freezing from occurring. Insulation can also serve as a barrier against moisture, which can also damage and degrade pipes.
Other Ways To Prevent Burst Pipes
In addition to adding insulation, there are several other ways to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Regular maintenance is the best protection against a burst pipe because it allows a plumber to perform any necessary repairs before disaster strikes.
- It can help blow heat into cold rooms by using fans to prevent the temperature from dropping below freezing.
- Consider having heating cables installed.
- All measures should be taken so that warm air can reach exposed pipes. This may mean leaving doors open.
- Outdoor hoses should always be disconnected before winter comes.
- Add insulation to unheated areas, such as crawl spaces.
- The thermostat should always be kept above 55 degrees, even if no one is home.
- The garage door should be kept closed.
- If a pipe appears to be frozen, thaw it by using a hairdryer. Then, contact a plumbing professional.
- Periodically use space heaters in cold rooms.
About Everest Plumbing
Everest Plumbing is a company that prides itself on offering exceptional customer service, unparalleled workmanship, fair pricing, and a satisfaction guarantee to their customers across the Greenville area. A family-owned and operated company, Everest Plumbing goes above and beyond to meet each customers’ needs! Give them a call today for burst pipe repair in Greenville.
