How To Know If Your Pipes Burst And What To Do Next

 

Winter is arriving, and with it comes the risk of frozen and burst pipes. Burst pipes are a huge nuisance as they can cause extensive water damage to your property, and also are a waste of water which adds costs to your bill. 

 

How Do Pipes Burst When They Freeze? 

 

Pipes will freeze once the temperature outside drops below freezing. The freezing temps cause the water inside the pipes to freeze and expand, putting pressure on the pipe walls. If this pressure gets too high, the pipes will burst. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to take precautions. 

 

 

Be sure to insulate any exposed pipes, particularly those that are located in unheated areas such as basements. You can also let a trickle of water flow from your faucets during cold weather, as this will help to keep the water moving and prevent it from freezing. By taking these steps, you can help to minimize the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting this winter. 

 

But aside from precautions, what if your pipes do burst? How will you know? 

 

How Do You Know If Your Pipes Burst? 

 

While flooding in your home may be the most obvious sign of a burst pipe, there are actually several other telltale indicators that your pipes may have burst — less obvious indicators that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. 

 

• You may see water leaking from your taps or fixtures. If there’s water leaking when it shouldn’t be, that’s a good indicator that something is wrong.

 

• You may notice a sudden drop in water pressure, or that your toilets are suddenly taking longer to flush. This can indicate that you have a leak somewhere in your system.

 

• Another sign of burst pipes is an unusually high water bill. If you notice a sudden spike in your bill, but there hasn’t been any change in your usage, it’s likely that you have a leak somewhere. 

 

• If you hear strange noises coming from your pipes, that’s definitely a red flag. Creaking, groaning, hissing, or banging sounds can indicate that the pipes are under strain and may be about to burst.

 

• Another way to tell is by checking for water damage in your home. Water stains on ceilings or walls, or puddles of water in your basement, are all indications that you may have a broken pipe. 

 

By being aware of these signs, you can take action quickly and prevent major damage to your home.

 

What To Do If Your Pipes Burst

 

If your pipes have frozen and burst, it’s important to take immediate action in order to minimize the amount of damage. First, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve. This will stop the flow of water and prevent any further water from entering the system and causing additional damage.

 

Then, call a professional plumber to assess the damage and begin repairs. They will be able to properly repair the pipe and restore your plumbing system to working order. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire pipe. In more minor cases, only a segment of the pipe may need to be repaired or replaced. If you have flooding due to burst pipes, be sure to take extra precautions to avoid electrocution – do not enter standing water with electrical appliances or bare wires. 

 

24 Hour Emergency Plumber

 

If you have a burst pipe or suspect you have one, don’t try to fix the problem yourself; leave it to the professionals. Trying to repair burst pipes yourself can often make the situation worse and cause more damage. 

 

 

Call our 24 hour emergency service here at Newman’s Plumbing. One of our licensed and insured professionals will arrive quickly to assess the situation and make the necessary repairs. We understand the importance of acting swiftly in these situations to minimize damage, and we will work diligently to get the job done right. Call us at 757-465-0883.