How To Prevent a Burst Pipe

Avoiding Pipe Explosions

A burst pipe can leave lasting damage to the home and household. Due to a pressure buildup, burst pipes cause significant water damage that can lead to mildew and mold growth. To avoid compromising the structural integrity of a home, certain preventative measures are needed. 

Household Clogs

A clogged pipe may initially seem like a mild annoyance, but eventually, it can cause serious problems. Once a blockage is large enough, this will increase pressure in the plumbing system. To reduce pressure, homeowners are encouraged to clean their drains every month.

Cleaning the drain does not mean homeowners must take apart the kitchen sink. Pouring a natural drain cleaner mixture of baking soda and vinegar directly into the drain is necessary. After the solution is completely drained, homeowners are advised to wait five minutes before running hot water down the sink.

Premade drain cleaning solutions can be purchased in almost any grocery store but are not recommended. Because of harsh chemicals, they slowly erode the piping material. Since drain cleaning should be done routinely, these chemicals can damage the pipes within a year. 

Professional drain cleanings should be scheduled on an annual basis. Hydrojetting is one way to blast through tough-to-reach clogs, but a professional is needed to operate the equipment. This form of cleaning uses highly pressurized water to reach all areas of the plumbing system so that pipes can stay fully functional throughout the year. 

How To Prevent a Frozen Pipe During the Winter

Water expands once it freezes during the winter. Although outside temperatures cannot be controlled, pipes can stay warm with proper insulation.

In colder climates, piping is usually built inside a home’s insulation. Unfortunately, many homes in North Carolina are built with outside piping. Without insulation, these pipes are unprotected against freezing temperatures and can burst due to excess pressure.

Professional pipe insulation can prevent burst pipes from occurring throughout the entire winter. The insulation is essentially a sleeve that covers the pipes all year round. Common insulation materials include mineral wool, flexible elastomeric foam, polyethylene, and cellular glass. Foam and rubber are recommended for cold pipes.

Keeping the thermostat over 55 degrees will also help prevent pipes from bursting. Some homeowners will run a slow, cold water drip in the faucet farthest from the main valve. When water continuously moves throughout the plumbing system, this also reduces the likelihood of a pipe freeze. 

Corroding Pipes

Old age can ruin the plumbing system. The integrity of the joints and seals is jeopardized once rust builds and may need to be replaced after 20 years. Depending on the piping material, pipes usually last anywhere from 25 to 70 years with proper maintenance. 

Corrosion can happen for a few different reasons. High levels of dissolved oxygen, low pH levels, and sudden changes in water flow are all culprits. To keep pipes from bursting, homeowners are encouraged to inspect their piping professionally before each winter. 

About E.R. Services

E.R. Services is the plumbing company Charlotte, NC homeowners have come to rely on. With every service call, they offer honest advice, personalized solutions, and upfront pricing – never starting work in your home without a detailed estimate. They also offer emergency services to help handle those big problems like burst pipes. Contact them today for plumbing service! 

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