What To Do about Busted Pipes in Warsaw
Homeowners have to deal with all kinds of home maintenance and care issues. However, one of the worst things they can face is a burst pipe. Pipes can burst for many different reasons, and, when they do, it’s imperative to call on knowledgeable, professional help as soon as possible.
Avoiding the problem or attempting a “do it yourself” fix can have serious consequences, such as flooding and water damage, structural damage to the home, and damage to nearby property. To avoid major issues like these, which can be incredibly costly to repair, take steps to reduce the risk of burst pipes. And, if a problem does occur, have it professionally addressed as soon as possible.
What Are the Causes of a Burst Pipe?
A burst pipe can have a great many causes. However, homeowners need to educate themselves on these causes and their warning signs. That way, they may be able to identify a potential problem before it has the chance to become a real threat or, worse yet, a disaster.
Below, you’ll find some of the common causes of this pipe issue. But, do be aware that a burst pipe can occur at any time, sometimes without warning. Thus, it’s always best to be prepared with the number of great, reliable services in the Warsaw, IN area that you can call on in the event of an emergency.
Extremely Cold Weather Can Lead to a Burst Pipe
Those Warsaw winters can get very cold. And, unfortunately, dropping temperatures can sometimes result in a busted pipe. Once water freezes and turns to ice inside of a pipe, it expands and can force open a pipe, causing it to burst.
Thankfully, even in the coldest temps, this issue can be avoided. Leaving water dripping on colder days and nights and proper pipe insulation are possible solutions. Your best bet is to discuss these options with a professional before the winter hits. That way, homeowners can have the confidence of knowing that their pipes are protected.
The Conundrum of Clogged Pipes
Unfortunately, it’s not just cold weather and ice that can cause a pipe to burst. Clogging is another common cause of bursting in pipes. When too much non-dissolvable matter accumulates in a pipe, the pressure builds up too, which can lead to a big bust.
You can avoid this issue by being careful about what you allow into your sink, bathtubs, and toilets. Items like paper towels, baby wipes, and feminine products should be avoided. However, seemingly harmless things, like excessive makeup, hair, or trash can also lead to clogging and bursting.
In addition to being careful about avoiding harmful items going down your drains, regular servicing and plumbing checkups can help to avoid clogs that lead to serious issues.
The Dangers of Improper Installation
Having pipes installed properly from the start is incredibly important. Improper installation can lead to issues later on down the road. A major problem, for example, is a pipe that doesn’t feature a tight enough fit.
When a pipe is looser than it should be, it easily gets jostled around a lot just from day-to-day use and from water flowing through it. Eventually, this can lead to a weakened pipe overall. And, when a pipe is weak, it’s more likely to burst.
For this reason, it is imperative to have pipes and all plumbing fixtures professionally installed. If you have any doubts about the quality of your plumbing work, a thorough inspection, and check-up, ideally regularly, from qualified professionals is always recommended.
The Impact of Age or Damage
Even the best, most high-quality pipes are not designed to work forever. Thus, if your pipes are very old or if you are unsure of their age, it’s time to have them looked at. After all, without professional input, a pipe might just be falling apart and ready to burst at any moment. And, worst of all, the homeowner would be none the wiser until it’s too late.
Likewise, pipes, especially older pipes, can sustain damage. Worse yet, that damage wouldn’t likely be discovered without regular inspections. Rust, fallen fittings, and more can all befall a pipe and lead to bursting.
The bottom line is that pipes can burst for many different reasons. But, homeowners who are vigilant about caring for their plumbing systems and who have the right professionals on their sides are in far less danger. They’re more likely to suss out major issues and fix them before they lead to bursting or other common pipe problems.
