Burst Pipes Services in Logansport, IN

Homeowners rarely deal with burst pipes. However, for those who do face this emergency situation, certain steps must be taken immediately to minimize any damage. Countless homeowners aren’t familiar with these steps and find they face expensive repairs that negatively affect their bank balance. Don’t let this happen. Learn what steps to take in this situation and call Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling for the repairs needed to restore your residence to its prior condition.

Why Does a Pipe Burst?

Pipes typically do not burst spontaneously. They burst because there was an issue within the pipe that gradually worsened. Homeowners must know how to prevent the issues that led to the pipe bursting or minimize the risk of this occurring when they cannot control all factors. What are some common problems associated with pipes that burst?

Clogged Pipes

Pipes within the home may clog at any time. Severe clogs pose a risk to the pipe and the home. When water moves through the pipe, it builds up and the water pressure may become overwhelming. Clogs in proximity to a drain rarely cause pipes to burst. It is the clogs that exist further in the line that pose the most risk. The water pressure increases around the blockage which may then cause the pipe to burst or leak.

Frozen Pipes

The water inside pipes may freeze when temperatures drop. When the frozen water blocks the pipe, it behaves much as a clog. However, this problem also comes with the ice damaging the bonds in the pipes. When the homeowner runs hot water through the pipes, the hot water hitting the weakened bonds could lead to the pipe and ice shattering or bursting.

Corrosion

Pipes get regular use in the average home. As a result, they undergo wear and tear. Plumbers recommend repiping homes approximately every 50 years to prevent problems such as broken or burst pipes. This doesn’t mean a homeowner can ignore their pipes until they reach this age. Corrosion remains a concern at all times. If the water flowing through the pipes isn’t balanced when it comes to the pH or the pipe has rust due to high iron levels in the water, the pipe strength may be compromised. This leads to corrosion and problems such as a burst pipe.

Movement of Pipes

During periods of cold weather, pipes expand and contract. They may also shift. Furthermore, people may bump a pipe and never think of it until a problem arises in the future. When a repair is made anywhere in the plumbing system, other pipes could move or shift slightly. All can lead to problems within the pipes that aren’t readily apparent and may lead to a burst pipe down the road.

Signs a Pipe Has Burst

How can a homeowner know when a pipe bursts? Look for puddles in the home or stains on ceilings and walls. Low water pressure or a strange color or smell coming from the pipes suggest a burst pipe. People may not know they have a problem until their water bill arrives and it is higher than normal. Others report they could hear water dripping or their pipes were making noise and that’s how they learned a pipe burst.

Cut off the water supply to the pipe. Usually, this involves shutting off the main. Do this before calling the plumber to minimize the damage. Soak up any water on the floors so it doesn’t spread or make its way into the walls.

Drain the pipes. Allow any water standing in sinks to flow out of the pipes and flush all toilets in the home. If the burst pipe is the result of it freezing, slowly warm the pipe to thaw the ice. Open all doors and cabinet doors in the home to allow air to circulate around the pipes and dry them.

If a repair sleeve is available, use it to temporarily fix the pipe or stop any water leaks. This will allow you to use the water if you must while waiting for the plumber. Minimize the use of the pipe, however, until it can be properly fixed.

Steps to Take While Waiting for a Plumber

Homeowners wonder what steps they should take while waiting for Summers Plumbing Heating & Cooling to arrive and address the burst pipes in Logansport, IN. The sooner the problem is resolved, the less damage the home will sustain. Do the following things right away.

Call us for help with your burst pipe. Never delay in getting the problem fixed, as doing so could add to the cost of the repair. We can help with any plumbing issue so reach out today. We are ready to help.