For those living on the northern half of the US, a new year means that you’re entering the coldest time of the year. The days are short, and the temperatures are low, creating some unique problems.
One of those problems is bursting water pipes.
Freezing temperatures certainly aren’t the only thing that cause water pipes to burst. They can also break due to excessive pressure, corrosion, and movement. To help prevent any of these from happening, you should always make sure your pipes are maintained and inspected.
With freezing temperatures, however, even well cared for pipes can break open.
Understanding What Causes Pipes to Freeze and Burst
As you know, water expands when it freezes. When water starts freezing inside of your pipes, it quickly runs out of places to go, causing it to burst straight through the pipe wall. Meanwhile, despite the presence of ice, fresh water will continue to run, pouring out of the broken pipe and into your home.
Even a simple crack in a pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a day.
While the primary cause of freezing pipes is exposure to low temperatures, a lack of use can greatly contribute as well. With that in mind, here are some ways you can keep your pipes from bursting open this winter.
Take Precautions When You Leave Your Home
One of the most common times for pipes to burst open is while people are away. This is especially terrible because it results in a lot of excess water entering your home. It’s very important that you take proper precautions when leaving your home for an extended period during the winter.
For starters, don’t shut the heat off. The idea of saving money on electricity or gas might seem tempting, but shutting off your heat in winter is basically asking for your pipes to freeze. Always keep the heat set to at least 50 degrees.
Depending on how long you’re gone, you may want to shut off your water altogether. This will remove possibility of your pipes bursting. If you do leave your water going, consider having someone either stay at your home or check on it daily.
Keep Your Home Sealed and Evenly Heated
Even if you keep your house heated, cold and drafty spots can pose a risk to your pipes. You want to make sure that heat is evenly distributed throughout your home. Make sure to check seals around doors and windows. Consider covering your windows for the winter.
Also try to keep doors open as much as possible so that heat can circulate properly.
Insulate Your Pipes
If you have any exposed pipes, make sure they’re insulated. Not only will this help keep them from bursting, but it can save you money on energy costs. Places where pipes should be insulated include garages, crawl spaces, exterior walls, attics, etc.
What to Do if a Pipe Bursts
Should a pipe end up bursting in your home, you’ll want to take action quickly to get things cleaned up and repaired. Water damage can cause rotting, mold, and more. Don’t try to clean it up yourself. Trust in a professional emergency repair specialist.
For water damage repair in Springfield, Ohio, contact Reliant Restoration today!