Did your pipes burst recently?
Here’s what to do next:
- Shut off the your home’s main water valve immediately.
- Disconnect your electrical system.
- Call a plumber & insurance agency right away.
- Try to contain the leak by using electrical tape, putty, or a sleeve clamp.
- Once the leak has been fixed, use a dehumidifier and industrial fans to dry things out.
- Take photos and necessary documentation of the damage.
Prevention
There are several reasons pipes may burst, but the leading cause is due to temperature drops and ice. Unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages pipes are most at risk.
- Disconnect your garden hose prior to the first freeze and turn off your outdoor spigots. Use a faucet insulator if your spigot isn’t frost-proof. Here is an insulator available on Amazon.
- Keep you thermostat set the same temperature during the day and night.
- Never set your furnace lower than 55 degrees during the winter, even if you are away, leave the heat on.
- Shut off the main water when leaving for long periods of time.
- Open up your cabinet doors while you are away at work to let heat circulate and reach your pipes.
- Cover any exposed water pipes
- For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
The best type of pipe for cold and freezing conditions:
All types of PEX, – a, b, and c – share nearly the same capabilities, PEX has the best chance of surviving low temperatures due to its flexibility. The chemical structure allows for higher flexibility and pressure capabilities. So when there’s more pressure, it expands and does not freeze or burst.
How to insulate water pipes
The pipes in your basement should be okay as they should be heated up by the furnace. However, pipes in unheated areas such as the attic, garage, or crawl space area may be at risk. To insulate these pipes, use foam pipe insulation or install heating tape/cable to make sure your pipes are protected. Here are some pipe insulation options available at Home Depot.
How to thaw out frozen pipes
If water isn’t flowing out of your pipes properly, your pipes may be somewhat frozen. Keep water running through the pipe as you thaw it out. Add heat to the section with an electric heating pad or hot water. The pipes should thaw out and your water should flow normally. If this does not resolve the freeze, call a plumber right away.
Unsure if you are dealing with frozen water pipes? Call us for a free inspection today at 952-882-8904.
