How to Tackle Pipe Bursts in Winter Season

Winter is coming !!!
For some, it is yay while for others it is nay!
Unfortunately, most homeowners dread the arrival of the cold season because of unexpected burst pipes and sudden leaks. Surface leaks and other plumbing repairs can be easily detected and repaired but underground leaks and damages are hard to identify and fix. Whether you are an accomplished DIY-or have a good understanding of plumbing mechanics, the best way to repair most plumbing and burst pipes is to call the pros. Before that, let's check how much you know about pipe bursts and what to do in such scenarios.

What are the most common causes for water pipe bursting?

• Freezing or exposure to extremely cold temperature, poor insulation work
• Friction caused from the movement of unsecured pipes, loose pipe joints
• Disturbances in the water pressure levels
• Natural wear and tear from rust and deterioration from hard water corrosion

What are the warning symptoms of a Water Pipe Burst?

Pipe bursts are not always a sudden incident. Sometimes it shows warning signs. You can prevent your infrastructure from serious damage if you can identify the signs and take necessary actions on time. Some of the most common symptoms of a pipe burst are:

• Unstable water pressure levels
• Murky water
• Noises from the insides of the pipes.
• Foul-smelling water
• Increasing water bills
• Water puddles near sinks and other water outlet spots

If you notice one or more of these signs, get professional help at the earliest. If it is not a pipe burst, it is some other damage inside that is causing these symptoms. Timely intervention can help prevent damages worth thousands.

What to do if there is a case of pipe burst in the property ?

1. Cut Off the water and empty all water outlets

First things first - turn off and drain all supplies and outlets of your water. The draining of the water trapped in faucets will help prevent the pooling of water in unwanted space while repairing and causing further damages. It alleviates the pressure from the water pipes and stops further freezing of the water. In short, there should be no water in the tanks, pipes, faucets, drain lines etc. To be on the safer side, it is also suggested to cut off the power supply, in case there are leaks and there is a chance of electricity coming in contact with water and fuse box.

2. Accurately identify the location of the burst pipe

The earlier mentioned symptoms are a clear indication of damages present somewhere in your plumbing network. It is imperative to identify the precise location and fix the damage before it aggravates and causes a bigger and more expensive repair bill and serious infrastructure deteriorations. Look out for wet patches of the walls or ceilings and puddles on the floor or outdoor grounds.

3. Get professional assistance from trained plumbers

Not all damages are visible to the untrained eyes. If you cannot immediately figure out which pipe is burst or if there are multiple points leakages and puddles, get professional assistance from trained plumbers at the earliest. Delaying the repairs of the plumbing leaks and damages has never resulted in a good ending. Book the services of your trusted local plumbing expert to manage the leaks and repairs, fix and replace damaged pipes.

4. Do not delay the clean-up process

Big or small plumbing repair, there will be some amount of mess and water flooding. It is recommended to clean up the mess as soon as the repair work is done so that it does not affect the property flooring, carpeting or convenience of use for other inmates. If the water is not removed on time or if you allow the moisture to stay for a prolonged period of time, the chances of mould or fungus growth increase, which further jeopardizes the health and safety of the people using the space.

What are some of the prevention methods for pipe bursts?

Nobody would willingly agree to bear the stress of leaking pipes, broken and non-functional pipes. A preventive plumbing inspection and early repair is your best out of plumbing distress and can help avoid huge and expensive mistakes and repair costs. Here are some simple and effective tips to help you save time, money and hassles of dealing with pipe burst repairs.

• Do not forget to drain outdoor pipes and other water outlets in the winter season.
• Ensure adequate insulation to unprotected areas in vulnerable areas like the garage, attic, etc.
• Take time to insulate pipes using foam tubing or other methods that suit your environment, budget and purpose
• Try to maintain a consistent home temperature and not tweak thermostat adjustments frequently
• If you come across a frozen pipe, use a hair dryer or space heater or a candle or pour hot water over it to thaw the water out before it freezes more and the pipe bursts.