Why Pipes Burst
Several factors can cause your pipes to burst. You’ll want to be aware of these potential issues to prevent a significant leak in the future.
For starters, whenever temperatures drop below 21 degrees for an extended period, the water in your pipes can freeze rapidly and expand. Once the water is frozen inside your water main, the pipe can burst, leaving you with a mess to clean up. Frozen pipes can occur both inside and outside of your home, depending on the type of water lines you have.
Many exterior water lines are now insulated to prevent freezing, but if you have copper or PVC pipes in your home, you’ll want to make sure you keep your house at a steady temperature during a cold snap to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Significant clogs can also cause your pipes to burst if they aren’t dealt with quickly. As debris builds up in your sewer lines, it could lead to a pressure increase, which will eventually break the pipe, and you’ll need a sewer repair. A clog of this size is a drain cleaning emergency and something you’ll want to alleviate immediately.
The age of your pipes is also a factor because older pipes can wear down, making them more prone to bursting. If you live in an older home, have your pipes checked by a certified plumber to ensure that they aren’t brittle or compromised.
How to Tell if You Have a Burst Pipe
There are a couple of ways to tell if your pipes have burst, both of which will be quite obvious.
The first telltale sign of a burst pipe is a pool of water somewhere on your property. The location of this leak can vary greatly, as some homeowners see water coming from inside their walls, while others notice puddles in their basement or garage, around their water heater, or even outside their homes.
If you don’t see a pool of water anywhere, a lack of water pressure is another sign that something is wrong with your water service. This reduced water pressure could also mean that your water main has started to freeze. Either way, calling Hunt’s Services at 253-533-7500 should be the first move you make.
What You Can Do
When you notice that one of your pipes has burst, you mustn’t panic and do everything possible to limit the damage.
Your first step is to turn off the main water supply in your home so that you don’t end up with an endless stream of water running throughout your property.
Next, you’ll want to open your taps to get any excess water into your drains and away from the burst pipe.
If water is still pouring from the burst pipe, put a bucket under it, if possible, to catch the remaining water. Once you turn the primary water source off, the leak should stop rather quickly.
You’ll also want to call Hunt’s Services right away to let us know that you have a plumbing emergency. Our team is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to assist with your problems, so call us at any time for service.
Finally, start cleaning up as much of the water as possible to limit the damage and prevent mold. If a frozen pipe is the issue, you’ll also want to turn up the heat to melt any remaining ice in your lines, which could cause another section to burst.
