Every year, homeowners throughout the country experience damage caused by frozen pipes. When pipes freeze and thaw, they can break, causing hundreds of gallons of water to flow into the home. And, the longer the water flows, the more expensive it is to repair.
If you live in an area where frozen pipes are a problem, call Quahog Plumbing before winter sets in so our experts can winterize your home and protect your pipes from damage.
Don’t risk your plumbing system using chemical drain cleaners. Call Quahog Plumbing for safe, effective drain cleaning service.
What Causes Pipes To Burst?
Pipes burst for various reasons, but there are four main causes that lead to plumbing system failure, including:
- Frozen Pipes
- Pipe Shifts
- Water Pressure
- Corrosion
Let’s look at these issues in-depth to find out exactly what’s going on and how to prevent disaster from striking.
Frozen Pipes
Cold weather and frozen pipes are the number one cause of leaks in parts of the country that experience harsh winters. When the water inside the pipe freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipe, often causing it to break. Once the pipe thaws, you have a gushing leak on your hands.
Pipe Shifting
If your water pipes aren’t secured, they can move when the water is turned on or off, which is sometimes called a water hammer. This constant movement weakens joints to the point of failure, causing water to pour through.
Water Pressure
While everyone likes intense water pressure, especially in the shower, water pressure that’s too high is dangerous for your plumbing. This problem is common in homes with older plumbing systems that aren’t designed to handle higher sustained pressures.
Corrosion
Today’s plumbing materials are designed to last for many decades, but the same can’t be said for plumbing systems built in the 40s and 50s. Pipes made from galvanized iron corrode as they age, and once they reach a certain point, they fall apart. Or the iron begins to rust, gradually narrowing the diameter of the pipe, which can increase water pressure.
The best way to guard against burst pipes is to call a professional plumbing company like Quahog Plumbing to inspect your system for potential problems and fix them before disaster strikes.
How To Guard Against Frozen Pipes
As mentioned, frozen pipes are the number-one cause of leaks and breaks, but the good news is that you can prevent most instances of pipe freezing with these simple tips.
Before winter sets in, remove outside hoses, shut off valves supplying outside hose bibs, and drain the outdoor spigots. You can also guard against a frozen hose bib with a freeze-resistant tap.If you have water supply lines in the garage, make sure to keep garage doors closed during winter as much as possible.Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow heat to reach the pipes underneath.
When temperatures dip below freezing, allow water to drip from faucets served by exposed pipes to prevent water from freezing.Consider adding pipe insulation or heat tape to keep pipes warm. Call a professional plumber in the fall to winterize your home’s plumbing and protect your pipes from freezing.
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Our Burst Pipe Repair
At Quahog Plumbing, we know how much damage burst pipes can cause, which is why we offer 24/7 emergency service to get you the repair you need as quickly as possible.
We have over 15 years of experience providing burst pipe repair and pipe thawing to protect your valuable property from extensive water damage. We offer flat-rate pricing, so you always know what you’re paying before work begins. Our technicians are prompt and professional and highly rated for the punctuality and value we provide to our customers.
Before you call another residential plumbing company, please check out our online reviews and find out why Bristol County residents trust Quahog Plumbing and recommend us to their friends and neighbors over any other.
