A Comprehensive Guide to Preventing Burst Pipes

How to Prevent Common Causes of Burst Pipes

The winter is no time to deal with complications of a burst pipe like loss of water service or flooding in the home. Unfortunately, the winter season is when many homes will experience this type of plumbing disaster. When pipes burst, they can quickly flood the home with water or sewage, and fixing the water damage can be worse than fixing the plumbing. 

Luckily, homeowners can do several things to help avoid burst pipes. This brief article contains tips from experts to help prevent burst pipes. By employing these techniques, homeowners can ensure their water stays flowing inside the pipes and that their home is protected from water damage. 

Protect Pipes from Freezing

Frozen pipes may be the most common cause of burst pipes during the cold season. Frozen pipes are a common problem, and they can be absolutely devastating when they occur. Frozen pipes most often occur in pipes where: 

• Insulation has degraded and allowed cold air to infiltrate
• Poor installation techniques have left pipes exposed to cold weather
• Attic and crawlspace piping is left under-protected 
• No insulation has been used

The key to preventing burst pipes resulting from freezing is to ensure the lines aren’t exposed to cold air. The easiest way to do this is to use foam pipe insulation or fiberglass pipe insulation to keep piping protected from the elements. These products are cheap and easy to install and can be relied upon for several years to keep pipes from freezing. Homeowners should also replace the insulation once it has become old or damaged. In some cases, rerouting exposed plumbing can also permanently reduce the threat of burst pipes. 

Look for Signs of Decay and Corrosion

Another common reason that pipes burst, especially in the cold, is because their integrity is already compromised by decay or corrosion. Preventing corrosion is one way to avoid burst pipes. To prevent corrosion or catch it before it causes a pipe burst, homeowners should: 

• Use professional plumbing companies for repairs
• Schedule plumbing inspections and maintenance annually 
• Inspect pipes for discoloration and call a plumber if it is noticed 
• Avoid using any harsh chemicals, like the ones found in chemical drain cleaners

Plumbers will likely recommend replacing the pipes affected if signs of corrosion and pipe decay are found. It’s a small price to pay to avoid the costs of repairing damage from burst pipes. 

Prevent Clogs 

Clogs can cause an incredible amount of pressure to build up in pipes, and if the clog isn't cleared in a timely manner, it can lead to a pipe bursting. The best way to prevent these costly repairs is to have routine drain cleaning by a professional plumber. By taking preventative measures and having the drains cleaned regularly, homeowners can avoid clogs that can cause damage and disruption. 

Professional plumbers have the right equipment to clear out even the most stubborn blockages in pipes, like drain snakes and hydro jetting. They also have the expertise to identify potential issues with a system and address them before they become bigger problems. Routine drain cleaning from a professional plumber can help homeowners maintain the integrity of their plumbing system and save them money in the long run. 

About Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning

Valley Plumbing and Drain Cleaning are always on call to help West Jordan, UT, and the surrounding areas with plumbing emergencies. They provide honest pricing, a hassle-free experience, and a Quality Service Club. Call them today for drain cleaning services or burst pipe repair in West Jordan, UT.

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