Pipe Bursting Prevention Tips

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

Water damaged pipes flooding property

So now that the holiday season has started, cold weather is already showing up and you know what else is here? At SERVPRO of Alexandria, we like to call this time of year, the pipe bursting season. Our team is out in the community dealing with some already! So don’t think that this exempts you. No one plans for an incident like this one, so the best we can do is advise you on how to try and prevent your pipes from bursting.

Why do pipes burst during the winter?

When talking about water damage from bursting pipes  let’s start with the root of the cause. Pipes tend to burst when one of two things happen. During the winter time, either the pipe itself contracts and ruptures on the weaker areas, or the water inside the pipe freezes, which makes the pipe expand and burst on those same areas. Now, there are some extreme cases where even heat may cause damage, but it is most common during the cold season of the year. 

Keep an eye out for under 32 degree weather conditions, which is water’s freezing point.

Keeping water running through a faucet will help avoid water from freezing. A small amount of water will make the difference. Still water will be affected by the cold leading it to freeze, expand and eventually cause a burst.

Given that regular maintenance to your pipes will help prevent water damage, we recommend having a good relationship with a plumber. Contact the National Home Builders Association of Central Louisiana for help finding a plumber. 

To help prevent pipe bursts make sure to direct warm air to cold areas of your home. This will help your pipes last longer and avoid ruptures. Focus on areas that have pipes close to the outside, such as walls and windows.

Seal any air leaks you might have that might bring in air into your home. Common places for these are around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes. In extreme cases, any cold let in will cause the pipes to freeze. 

At the end of the day, there is only so much you can do to attempt to prevent the worst situation. If pipes do burst at your home, SERVPRO of Alexandria is here to help! We are a 24/7 emergency service company, and water losses like this must be dealt with right away. Don’t hesitate and call SERVPRO of Alexandria.

Stay warm out there!

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