Imagine walking into your home to find it flooded from a burst pipe. Your belongings are soaked in water. Is this happening to you right now? Call us for emergency plumbing help. Kellie Plumbing, Inc. is your Franklin burst pipe repair team committed to solving your problem as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’re available 24/7 for emergency service!
What should you do if you have a burst pipe?
The first thing you should do after calling your plumber for help is to locate your main water valve. This valve is usually located in the basement, near the water meter. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off all water in your home. This will help prevent further water damage and provide temporary relief until we arrive.
What causes this problem?
There are two main reasons water pipes burst: pressure from clogs and freezing temperatures.
Pipes often burst due to water pressure when there is a clog in the plumbing system. This may be caused by a clogged water pump or a blocked toilet. When pressure in the pipes increases to excessive proportions, the pipes expand, causing them to burst. This may occur due to lack of regular maintenance on the water pump and other fixtures.
Freezing temperatures can also result in burst pipes. This can quickly lead to major water damage if you haven’t properly winterized your plumbing system. Water in the pipes expands as it freezes. As this happens, some water may still be flowing in the pipe between the ice and the pipe walls. The combined pressure of the ice and the water will cause the pipe to burst.
A burst pipe is an emergency because it can quickly flood your home. This means you could waste as much as 110 gallons of water per hour. Contact us immediately if you have this problem.
How can you protect your pipes?
There are several precautions you can take to prevent your pipes from bursting:
- Insulate exposed pipes. You can wrap heater tapes around them, or use a heated reflection lamp (which may be placed in a dry enclosure) to warm the pipes.
- Allow water to drip slowly yet at a constant rate during the winter to prevent freezing in the pipes.
- Insulate and warm the drain lines in the basement and crawl spaces.
- Repair dripping taps and leaks before winter.
- Maintain your central heating system on a regular basis.
- Underground pipes leading to garages or shades should be buried deep in the ground, and if possible they should be logged.
- Log the pipes in unheated places such as garages and lofts.
- Drain water from the swimming pool as well as the supply lines for water sprinklers; don’t use anti-freeze unless directed because it can be harmful for the environment.
By taking these precautions, you can gain greater peace of mind from potential burst pipe problems.
