There are a variety of things can cause pipe bursts in your house. They range from freezing temperatures to high water pressure to physical damage to the pipes. When they do burst, they cause damage that could be severe.
Depending on where the pipe burst and its severity, it could determine just how bad the damage will be.
So, what happens when a pipe bursts in your home?
How to Recognize Warning Signs of Pipe Bursts
The good news is that pipes usually don’t burst overnight. This buys you have a little time to look for any potential warning signs. Some signs may be harder to find, so keep an eye out for:
Water Pressure Problems
Low water pressure points to a sign that something is wrong. More times than not, this suggests that a burst has occurred. Water goes directly through the hole rather than the faucet, which lowers water pressure.
Puddles
These are more significant and spread further than a leak. Water gathers in more areas like the floor and walls when puddles happen. Leaks remain more contained to one location.
Wall Stains
This is probably one of the most telling indicators that a pipe has burst. When you notice a stain on your wall, there is a high probability you have a burst pipe behind it.
High Water Bill
You probably have a burst pipe if your monthly water bill jumps up above normal levels. Excess amounts of water seep through the hole or break in your line, wasting water as your bill goes up.
What to Do If Your Pipes Bursts
Once you notice warning signs of pipe bursts, you can take action. The first step you can take to stop it is turn off your water quickly. This will minimize water damage as the water flowing through the pipes should stop. If you can’t locate the main water valve, call a plumber.
The next step would be to locate where the pipe burst. Look for any of the warning signs mentioned earlier in the article. Once you find the spot, consider calling a professional, depending on the damage. Hire a plumber to repair pipes and an electrician to repair any damage to electrical components.
How to Prevent Pipe Bursts
You can do a few things to help prevent pipes bursts. The more you can do to save yourself the stress and financial burden, the better. I listed some of them below:
- Drain outdoor hoses when the weather gets colder
- Add insulation to areas with pipes that remain cold, like a garage, an unfinished basement, or an attic
- Use foam tubing to insulate pipes
- Never let your home temperature go below 55 degrees Fahrenheit
- Allow cold water to drip from your faucets when temperatures drop below freezing.
These handy little tips will help to ensure your pipes don’t burst. Planning will save you keep money in your pocket a little longer. When you need us, call Allied Restoration to help you recover when your pipes burst! We are the home restoration specialists you need on your side!
Allied Restoration is an IICRC (Institute Of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification), Certified Firm. Our Senior Project Manager, Wilma Fogler, was the first person in the State of Maryland to achieve the IICRC Master Water Restorer Certification. Allied is Licensed, Bonded, Insured, and a member in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. 