Burst Pipes Don’t Have To Be Your Problem
Dealing with a burst pipe at home can sometimes feel like the worst, most inconvenient thing to happen at home. A burst pipe, after all, can lead to extensive leaks, water damage, and other related problems. But it isn’t the end of the world, and for homeowners who take the time to understand what causes burst pipes and actively seek to prevent them, it’s just one more thing to check off the list of problems they don’t have to worry about. If homeowners want one less maintenance problem, read on and find out what usually causes burst pipes and how to prevent them.
Deal With Sewer Line Clogs
One of the most common causes of a burst pipe is a clog in the sewer line. A clogged pipe tends to create a bottleneck within the pipes, resulting in a build-up of pressure that subsequently leads to the pipe bursting. Thankfully, avoiding a burst pipe is as easy as preventing a clogged one. Homeowners should practice proper waste disposal habits by keeping food waste, hair, and other debris from going down their drain pipes.
Another easy method of clog prevention is through regular drain cleaning maintenance. Scheduling professional drain cleaning at least once a year has the double purpose of preventing both a clogged pipe and a burst pipe, and maintaining the efficiency and condition of drain pipes. These help homeowners hang on to their existing pipes for a longer period, eventually saving a lot of time, effort, and resources that would have otherwise gone to replacing damaged and worn-out pipes. Homeowners can also opt to schedule hydro jet drain cleaning for much more problematic pipes or clogs that are persistent and difficult to dislodge.
Prevent Pipes From Freezing
While clogged pipes are a common cause of a burst pipe, a frozen pipe takes the top spot in the list of the most common causes. Pipes freezing in the winter - especially if they have not been properly drained or insulated from the sudden temperature drops - are the top culprits of a burst pipe since water rapidly expands as it solidifies into ice during the cold season. As ice expands, the pipe that contains it doesn’t have enough volume to hold it and eventually bursts.
To prevent this from happening, people who live in colder climates or may experience unpredictable weather and sudden drops in temperature should get ahead of the cold season by insulating their pipes. Proper pipe insulation involves wrapping pipes in a special material designed to reduce sudden losses or gains in heat to protect the pipes from unpredictable weather damage.
Avoid Corroding the Pipes
Pipe corrosion wraps up the last spot in the top 3 of the most common causes of burst pipes since corrosion can eat into the material of the pipe and weaken it, causing it to leak or burst. This usually happens either through normal wear and tear that occurs as the plumbing system ages and becomes subject to rust and corrosion, or it could be expedited by the corrosive effects of certain store-bought chemicals that are usually intended to either clean plumbing fixtures or dissolve clogs in the pipelines. Homeowners should engage in regular pipe maintenance and avoid using corrosive chemicals like drain cleaners that may damage the pipes.
About B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C
B&D Plumbing, Heating & A/C provides reliable plumbing, heating, and cooling services in Minnetonka, MN. Their industry-leading team of experts can deliver a full range of plumbing and HVAC solutions using the latest technology and a fully stocked truck ready to resolve any problem instantly. Upfront pricing and round-the-clock availability also make them the go-to team in the community. Call them today for burst pipe services in Minnetonka, MN.
