Bursting pipes can cause significant damage to your home. Therefore, it’s crucial that you understand what causes pipe bursts and how to prevent them.
Pipe bursts are typically caused by freezing temperatures. This is particularly an issue in areas with harsh winters.
Signs of a Burst Pipe
If a plumbing pipe bursts, the results could be catastrophic for both you and your property. Not only could it damage the structure of your home but it could also ruin belongings and appliances that were in its path.
There are a few telltale signs to watch out for to determine whether your pipes have burst. These include water stains on walls, fluctuations in water pressure and more.
Keep an eye out for puddles or water marks on the ceiling and floor as these could be telltale signs that a pipe burst has occurred.
An unexpected spike in your water bill should also serve as a warning, since water that leaks out will add up over time.
Banging or gurgling noises may also indicate there is a leak somewhere, caused by changes in pressure as water attempts to move through broken pipes.
Causes of a Burst Pipe
Burst pipes can be disastrous. Not only can they cause significant property damage, but they may even force you out of your home temporarily and leave you homeless.
Preventing most pipe bursts is possible by keeping your plumbing system in good shape, such as inspecting and replacing older pipes when necessary.
Keep an eye on your water pressure to detect any changes, which could indicate that pipes are leaking and need repairs.
As another common sign of a burst pipe is discolored water. Brown or reddish hues could indicate that corrosion has compromised your metal pipes in your home and is breaking them down over time.
Sounds your pipes make when expanding and contracting are an early indicator that something may be amiss, including banging and clanking as well as mysterious dripping noises that cannot be traced to any particular faucet.
Temporary Fixes
If you have identified a plumbing pipe that’s leaking, there are temporary fixes available that may keep your home safe until a plumber can arrive and address the issue permanently. While these temporary solutions won’t completely solve your issue, at least they will help limit damage until making a visit to your local hardware store for permanent fixes.
C-clamps provide an effective and speedy method of temporarily sealing leaky sections of pipe. Simply find a waterproof layer, place it over the hole, and tighten a wooden block using a C-clamp to create an airtight seal.
An alternative way of temporarily fixing a burst pipe is using epoxy putty. Once hardened at room temperature, this sealant hardens to provide a protective barrier over any holes or cracks in the pipe’s structure.
This method works well when your leaky pipe has already started to split, taking stress off the damaged area. Multiple clamps may be required for a secure seal.
Long-Term Fixes
Burst pipes can cause serious damage to your home. Water can destroy furniture, carpets and other items as well as leaving behind unsightly stains on walls and ceilings.
As long as proper maintenance steps are taken to protect and insulate pipes, many problems associated with them can be avoided. Insulating them, for instance, will lessen the chance of pipes bursting during winter weather conditions.
Immediately contact a plumber if a pipe bursts, so they can identify its location and make necessary repairs.
Repair costs vary based on the material that your pipe is composed of and how extensive its damage is. On average, repair prices typically fall within $150 to $3,000 range; however if complete replacement of an entire system is necessary.
Slip couplings offer one of the easiest, long-term fixes for burst pipes. This ring-shaped connector fits neatly into copper sections of damaged pipework.
If you had a plumbing pipe burst in your home or business in the Phoenix, AZ metro area contact Ben Franklin Plumbing AZ for help.
