Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning is your go-to resource for burst pipe repair in Chattanooga, TN.
Many homeowners think that a burst pipe will be obvious and cause major damage. In reality, burst pipe symptoms can be subtle and can even go undetected. If you suspect a pipe has burst, call us right away to mitigate any further damage.
What Causes a Pipe to Burst?
The most common cause of burst pipes is freezing during the winter. Water expands as it freezes, which increases the pressure in your pipes until the stress eventually breaks through the pipe, causing it to burst.
Burst pipes in the house can cause immeasurable damage and need to be repaired right away. You may be wondering how to fix a burst water pipe in the wall. Depending on the damage, it can be an extensive process that is best left to the professionals.
When it comes to detecting damage, burst pipes in walls and ceilings are a bit easier to notice, as burst pipes in the floor can go unnoticed for a while. Similarly, burst pipes outside the house aren’t as noticeable and could go undetected for days or even weeks.
It is important to be aware of the condition of your pipes, especially during the winter. However, the winter is not the only time your pipes are at risk. There are several other hazards that may cause pipes to burst, including corrosion, tree root damage, clogs, and soil shifting.
How You Can Prevent Pipe Bursts
Burst pipe repair costs can be high, so the best thing to do is prevent a pipe from bursting in the first place. While fluke accidents and simple wear and tear do happen, there are still proactive steps you can take to prevent pipe bursts.
Learn Where Your Water Main Is
Burst pipe water damage can be expensive to repair. The first thing you should do when you realize there is an issue with your plumbing is shut off the water. If you don’t know where the water main is, take time to locate it now before disaster strikes.
Insulate Your Outside Taps and Piping
Insulation makes all of the difference when it comes to reducing water freeze in pipes. A simple insulation wrap around your outside taps and pipes can act as an effective barrier and keep the water in its liquid form.
Insulate Your Hot Water Heater
Frozen pipes connected to your hot water heater are one of the most common causes of burst pipes. There is a good chance that your water heater is already insulated. If it is not, adding insulation will prevent pipe freezing.
Schedule a Home Inspection
When it comes to protecting your pipes, the best time to schedule a home inspection is the summer or fall, well before winter sets in. You don’t want to be stuck searching the internet for “burst water pipe outside house” in the cold!
A home inspection will uncover any vulnerabilities in your pipes that may become an issue when the temperatures drop. Scheduling an inspection early will give you time to remedy the problem before it leads to a burst pipe.
Set the Thermostat
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is not leaving the thermostat on at a low temperature when they leave the house for extended periods of time.
Even if you are only going to be out of the house for a day or two, turning your heat completely off is not a good idea. Depending on the weather, it may not take long for water to freeze and cause your pipes to burst.
What Should You Do If a Pipe Bursts?
If you suspect a burst water pipe in house walls or floors, the first thing you should do is turn off the water supply. This action will prevent any further water from getting into your home. Next, do not use any light switches or outlets if you notice water near them. Water and electricity do not mix and can make a bad situation worse.
Finally, get in touch with Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning. We are the experts in burst pipe repair near you and can fix the issue for you right away.
Choose Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
Metro Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning has been in the business since 1989. We are family-owned and are highly qualified in burst pipe repair near Chattanooga, TN. We know that a burst pipe can happen at any time, which is why we have experts on staff at all times. Give us a call at any time!