Burst pipes in a home can be caused by different factors. The most common cause for this plumbing issue is freezing conditions. Pipe failure can also be caused by usual wear and tear or old age, misuse, and intense physical damage because of great pressure.
Burst pipes are one of the most chaotic plumbing problems any household can undergo. This particular plumbing issue will cause damage to a property and put people out of homes for a number of days. It can also leave people without water and homes for a long period of time.
The first step to avoid having burst pipes in your home is to find ways to prevent it. Below are some useful tips for preventing the occurrence of this plumbing problem:
• Have outside taps and piping insulated. When doing this, don’t forget to include the drain pipes for heating and overflow pipes. Lagging or foam can do a good job of insulating these fixtures. However, make sure you do not leave any joints, bends or taps uncovered. If you have taps outside, you can insulate them with fitted covers.
• Make sure the pipes buried in the ground outside such as pipes that lead to garages or sheds are buried deep enough.
• Make sure that pipes in unheated areas such as lofts, basements, and garages are lagged with good quality pipe lagging.
• Before the cold season comes, fix all dripping taps or existing leaks since they can cause pipes to burst.
In the instance that some pipes have already burst your home, below are some tips you can follow to minimize its effects and the damage they can bring:
• Unfortunately, not every burst pipe is characterized by a torrent of water from the ceiling. Damp patches on walls, ceilings, and floors can also be signs of a burst pipe. A decrease in water pressure, unusual noises in the system, and even electrical faults can also indicate burst pipes.
• If you think you have a burst pipe, immediately isolate the water from the stopcock. Make sure the stopcock is completely closed. The next thing to do is to open all taps to remove the water from the system.
• Move any furniture and belongings immediately from the affected area so that they won’t get too wet.
• Do not use electrical devices. Also, keep away from light switches and sockets since they can cause electrocution.
• Call an emergency plumber immediately. A qualified plumber will be able to determine if your plumbing issue is really a burst pipe. The plumber will also be able to quickly isolate the burst pipes, identify the cause, and find the ideal solution to the problem.
Read more about the services offered by an emergency plumber here.