No one wants to deal with a house flood, especially when it's the result of a busted pipe. But if you know how to properly care for your pipes, you can help avoid this type of disaster. Keep reading for a guide to keeping your pipes in good condition and preventing them from bursting.
How Do Burst Pipes Damage Your House?
Burst pipes can cause serious damage to your home. Having your home flood can ruin floors, invite mold growth, damaged drywall, short out electronics, and more, leading to costly flood repairs. The water can even seep into the foundation and lead to foundation damage, compromising the integrity of your house. In a nasty cycle, a cracked foundation can let more water in from outside, leading to more flooding.
If a pipe bursts in your home, it's important to shut off the water immediately and take action to fix the problem. The longer the water sits, the more water damage there will be, and the more severe the consequences will end up.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
The number one reason for a pipe to burst is freezing weather. As the water in the pipe freezes, it expands, causing higher and higher pressure until finally, the pipe ruptures under strain.
This is why it's so important to winterize your home each year. Insulating the pipes, including outdoor spigots, can prevent costly water damage and plumbing repairs. On the coldest days, leave under-sink cabinets open so warm air can reach the pipes, and consider letting taps run on a slight drip to keep the water moving. (You can collect the water in a container and use it for other purposes so it doesn't go to waste.)
Other causes of pipe bursts include:
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Growing tree roots putting pressure on the pipes
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Pipe corrosion
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Soil shifting
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Clogged pipes
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Overly high home water pressure
How Do You Prevent Pipes From Bursting?
Being proactive is the most valuable thing you can do to prevent water damage. Take care of your pipes during the winter, monitor any nearby construction projects (as these are one of the common sources of soil shifting), and keep an eye on where trees are in relation to your underground plumbing.
Chemical drain-cleaning products are great for convenience but can cause damage to old pipes and pipes made out of plastic or PVC. Make sure you know what your pipes are made out of, use chemicals with caution, and consider using a drain snake instead.
However, prevention isn't always 100% effective. Know the signs of a pipe that needs repair. If you notice any water leaks, no matter how small, it's important to fix them right away. Even a tiny leak can turn into a big problem if it's not addressed quickly.
Signs that your pipes may need to be fixed include strange noises coming from the pipes, water pressure that fluctuates, and water that is discolored. A sudden spike or even a gradual rise in your water bill can indicate that somewhere, one of your pipes sprung a leak. A musty smell in the air can indicate mold, a tell-tale sign of moisture.
When all else fails, know how to shut off your water. In the event of a pipe burst, you'll need to be able to quickly shut off your water so that the damage isn't worsened. Locate your home's main water shut-off valve and make sure everyone in your household knows how to use it.
Not All Water Damage Comes From Pipes
Clogged gutters, broken appliances, and natural disasters can all cause water damage in your home. It's important to be aware of all the potential sources of water damage and take steps to prevent them.
The best way to deal with water damage is to prevent it from happening in the first place. In the case of the most severe source of water damage, natural floods, your home's best defense is a flood barrier. Dam Easy's flood barriers are easy to set up in minutes, can be used for many years, and have been proven successful against floods and even flash floods in homes, businesses, schools, and other facilities worldwide. Contact Dam Easy today to learn more about our flood gates and other innovative flood prevention solutions to protect yourself and your property values.
Take care of your pipes and your home, and you can avoid the hassle and heartache of water and flood damage.
