Preventing Burst Pipes and How They Happen

Burst Pipe Prevention

The coldest time of the year is generally during the months of January and February. If you are located in an area where you see below freezing temperatures, now is a great time to prioritize water pipe maintenance. Burst pipes are about as frustrating as they are common during the cold weather months. However, frozen pipes are not the only reason pipes can burst. In this blog post we will go over how burst pipes can happen and prevention tips to help you save a lot of time, stress, and money.

The coldest time of the year is generally during the months of January and February. If you are located in an area where you see below freezing temperatures, now is a great time to prioritize water pipe maintenance. Burst pipes are about as frustrating as they are common during the cold weather months. However, frozen pipes are not the only reason pipes can burst. We will go over how burst pipes can happen and prevention tips to help you save a lot of time, stress, and money.

1. Lack of Proper Insolation During Extreme Temperatures

Water pipes susceptible to cold temperatures should always have proper insolation. Exposed pipes in your attic, crawlspace, and garage should have insolated pipe sleeves and insolation tape installed on them to prevent the possibility of frozen pipes. If you are unable to insulate your pipes before freezing temperatures arrive, we recommend leaving a slow but steady stream of water running through one of your faucets to ensure water stays moving through your pipes. Opening cabinet doors to allow for warm airflow can also drastically lower your chances of frozen pipes. In case of emergencies, ensure that you and everyone in your home can locate your main water valve and also know how to shut it off. If you need help locating your water shut off valve, you can follow this link for more information.

2. Weak or Damaged Pipes

Older homes may fall under a higher risk category for compromised pipes. Over time, corrosion can cause pipes to become weak and thin making your home more susceptible to burst pipes. Corrosion occurs from a ph imbalance in water. Short term this is a minor issue however, over a long period of time this can take a toll on your pipes. If you are concerned about your pipes being compromised, call a professional plumber for an inspection.

3. Blockages

Foreign objects that enter your pipes can potentially cause pressure buildup leading to the possibility of burst pipes. Natural causes like tree roots can cause severe damage to the integrity of your pipes and are one of the most common causes of burst pipes.

4. Improper Installation

Improper instillation can lead to catastrophic issues down the road. Ensure you are trusting your home with a reputable and certified plumber. Water pipes that are not securely installed may gradually move back and forth when water is suddenly turned on and off. If you hear pipes clanging in your home, this is a sign that you may need call a plumber for a proper inspection. The constant movement of pipes can cause joints to weaken and can lead to a higher probability of failure leaving you with thousands of dollars in damages.

Contact American Patriot Restoration

Our experienced team at American Patriot Restoration offer a range of commercial and residential restoration services, including emergency repairs and water removal. Should you sustain water damage from a burst pipe, leave the job to the professionals. Don’t risk secondary damages like hazardous mold.

If you have any questions about our Water Damage Restoration services, please contact us today at (217)342-3206.

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