Looking for some tips on how to avoid burst pipes? You’re on the right track! Here, we will walk you through the relevant guidelines for preventing pipe bursts along with other crucial information to avoid this disastrous event.
What are the causes of pipe bursts?
There are many reasons why pipes break, and they take into account a lot of factors, such as freezing temperatures, the age of the pipes, and the condition of the home, among others. And if when the pipes burst, it affects a large section of the plumbing system, or perhaps the entire household.
Generally, pipes burst due to a huge build-up of pressure inside the material. And this is caused by various aspects, such as frozen pipes due to cold weatherextensive root growth, soil displacement, pipe corrosion, old age and clogged lines.
Other reasons include incorrect installation and accidental damage. Due to the wide range of causes, it is essential to monitor plumbing connections, including water supply lines and sewers, to avoid catastrophic consequences.
How to prevent burst pipes?
While there are various reasons why pipes burst, the most common cause is due to freezing temperatures. Thus, in this section, we will focus on how to avoid burst pipes in extreme weather conditions. Other prevention tips will be discussed in the following segments.
1. Be knowledgeable about freezing points.
Have you ever wondered at what temperature pipes burst? Generally, the freezing temperature of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the freezing point is not equivalent to when the water inside the pipes is frozen.
It is because the water passing through the pipes is protected by the insulating properties of your home. According to studies, water pipes begin to freeze when the outside temperature drops below 20 degrees Fahrenheit for 6 consecutive hours.
2. Check your home’s insulation.
As mentioned earlier, it takes a total of 6 consecutive hours of 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below for the pipes to harden into ice. However, there are other elements that accelerate the solidification of water pipes, such as the location of the pipe system, as well as the geographical condition of your area.
Therefore, if you live in a colder region with harsh winters, then there is a high chance of freezing pipes. To avoid this, you need to make sure that your home is well insulated. Insulation helps to achieve the desired temperature. Likewise, it decreases you the energy bill.
Regarding residential isolation, you can choose from a variety of types. Some of the more common options are spray foam, fiberglass, and blown insulation. Spray foam insulation is considered the best method because it offers the highest R-value, which refers to thermal resistance.
It therefore offers outstanding thermal performance and high energy savings. Insulation generally covers exterior walls, driveways, garage doors, attics and basements.
3. Use heat tape.
Heat tapes are quite popular among homes set in colder areas. These products are designed to provide warmth to pipes in cold weather. But it should be noted that the thermal tapes are not adhesive. Instead, they are actually electrical cables that are wrapped around the pipe to avoid freezing.
Since these products require electricity, it is essential to know their energy consumption. Heat strips use about 6 to 9 watts per foot per hour. So for every 100 feet of heat tape running all day, there would be an additional $41 to $62 each month.
With the added costs, it would be best to make efficient use of heat strips to save money on your electricity bills. Moreover, there are other ways to prevent pipes from freezing, so try to maximize other options accordingly.
4. Try to keep some water taps running.
During extreme weather conditions, it is highly recommended to keep at least one faucet running. The logic behind this comes from water pressure having an impact on temperature. In simpler terms, a continuous flow of water interrupts the freezing process.
But of course you should also take into account the water bill. You can gently open one or two taps so that only a small, but non-stop amount of water flows into the pipe.
5. Disconnect the garden hose from the outdoor faucet.
This is a simple but very vital tip for every homeowner. Disconnect the hose that connects to the outside faucet. Leaving the hose attached to the faucet limits water leakage from the hose wand. And if there is a certain amount of water trapped in the pipe, then it won’t take long for it to freeze and burst!
In addition to the tendency of pipes to freeze, ice can also damage the faucet. Therefore, as a general rule, never leave garden hoses attached to the faucet to avoid costly replacements.
6. Fix leaks as soon as possible.
Air leaks during the cold season also accelerate the process of freezing water in pipes. Thus, you need to examine areas near electrical cords and dryer vents that may have access to cold air. Seal leaks immediately using caulk, which is a common sealant.
You can also add additional insulation in areas that have leaks to ensure that cold air does not enter the household. This is crucial because cold air significantly affects plumbing systems and water mains.
7. Open the cabinet doors.
Leaving cupboard doors, especially those in the kitchen, is helpful in letting warm air into the house. Doing otherwise leaves the fixtures under the sink more vulnerable to frost and potential pipeline burst.
Why? It is because the cold air is restricted inside the cabinet. Thus, keep the cabinet doors open to allow heated air to circulate smoothly around the hose and provide much-needed warmth to your pipes in cold weather.
8. Turn off the main water supply if you are not at home.
If you like to enjoy the sunnier weather during the winter, be sure to turn off the water pipes before you go on vacation. This is a crucial step that you should not dismiss to avoid accidents that could require expensive repairs. It is also better if you let a trusted neighbor check your house regularly
What are other preventive measures to avoid damaged pipes?
Other than freezing temperatures, pipes could also burst due to a variety of factors discussed earlier. So here are some other relevant tips that you need to understand as well:
1. Keep plants away from underground piping systems.
Invasive tree roots often put intense pressure on water lines or sewer systems. Unfortunately, this can cause the pipe to crack and even break. Therefore, it is better not to plant shrubs and trees near underground pipes to avoid tree roots taking up space and applying force to the pipes.
2. Monitor for corroded pipes.
Over time, pipes such as copper and brass corrode. When rust accumulates, it weakens the structure of the pipe, forming small cracks. And if left unattended, the corrosion worsens, which would lead to a total rupture of the pipes.
So if you can see early signs of corrosion like yellowish water supply, warping of pipes and others, don’t delay the replacement. Replace the pipe as soon as possible to avoid more risky pipe accidents and water damage.
3. Remove blockages from the pipe.
A broken pipe can also happen due to blockages. This happens if the pressure continues to rise due to sediment build-up inside the pipe. And when pipes remain clogged, water pressure can leads to leaks and possibly damage the pipes.
To avoid this accident, don’t wait for the hoof to get big. Get rid of blockages using different methods, such as using a plumbing snake, pouring hot water, or trying a water pump. As a preventative measure, you can add mesh drain covers to sinks, bathtubs and showers.
What to do when pipes explode?
When the pipes burst, you have to prepare for the mess. It is because the damage can extend beyond a certain section of the pipeline. It can be very extensive, destroying other areas of your home. If this happens, the first thing to do is to turn off the main water supply.
After turning off the water supply, start cleaning the water to prevent further accidents. Keep all the doors open and empty the taps. After cleaning, you can now start repairing the damaged pipe.
If the damage is significant enough, you may need to contact a plumber to help. hiring a professional installer is highly recommended to avoid further injury to the piping system. It also saves you from other expensive replacements.
Conclusion
Pipe bursts are relatively avoidable with regular pipe maintenance and immediate action on damaged pipes. So, if you want to maximize the life of your water lines and plumbing system in general, make sure you perform maintenance tasks on a regular basis.
You can also opt for home insurance coverage just in case of unavoidable accidents due to burst pipes. Home insurance mainly covers sudden and accidental plumbing problems, which are valuable in case of unexpected expenses.
