The Ins and Outs of Broken Pipes

There are a few different reasons why pipes burst. The majority of the time, pipes burst from age, freezing, water pressure, and misuse.

Water Pressure

Water pressure is something you should always pay attention to in your home because signs of odd water pressure can be related to water damage. When pipes are clogged, water pressure will begin building and building until the pipes can no longer take it. if there is low-water pressure in your sinks, showers, and bathtubs, this could mean that one of the pipes are clogged. Here is something to try at home: Turn on the water in your bathtub and keep it running while you turn on the water in your kitchen sink. If the water pressure drops when you turn on the second faucet, then it’s a possibility that there is a clogged pipe or a leaky pipe.

Freezing

if water from a faucet does not come out in a stream but comes trickling out, it may be a sign of frozen pipes. The pipes that are located in the danger zones, like basements, attics, crawl spaces, and interior spaces with no heating, are at most risk for bursting.

Prevention Tips for Pipes Bursting

One of the best ways to prepare yourself in case disaster were to strike is by locating your main water supply valve. They are normally located outside near the water meter, on the wall inside the basement, or inside an access panel in your home. In case of an emergency, locating the main water supply valve is useful because it will cut off a home’s entire water supply allowing you to stop the disaster from worsening and be able to fix the problem.

If your home will be vacant for any amount of time, it may be a good idea to turn off your entire water supply in case an emergency were to happen without you being home.

Insulate piping in unheated areas like garages, basements, attics, etc. These areas are most at risk for pipes bursting. Insulating with fiberglass or foam sleeves can help prevent them from bursting.

During the cold weather months, make sure to leave your heating on enough to prevent pipes from freezing.

If the temperatures drop dangerously below freezing, a good way to prevent your pipes from freezing is continuously running water through your faucets at a trickle. Also, leave your cabinets open so that warm air can get to your pipes.

If disaster strikes:

DO:

• Make sure it is safe to enter the water damaged area and wear protective gear.
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting areas where water is visible.
• Remove wet upholstery and cushions and place in a fashion most suitable for airing out of materials.
• Remove any and all valuable, or sentimental objects from the affected area as quickly as possible.

DON’T:

• Do NOT use your vacuum to clean up excess water.
• Do not turn on any ceiling fixtures in areas were ceilings are affected and absolutely keep out of rooms with wet or sagging ceilings.

Professional Water Damage Restoration

If you are experiencing water damage from a burst pipe It is important to take action immediately. Calling a water damage restoration specialist, such as Restore Rite, would be a smart move because we know what needs to be done to restore your home safely and quickly. If you are in the Pocatello area, give us a call today.