Avoiding the Damage Caused By Burst Pipes 

It may be hard to believe, but winter is coming. That means the threats posed to the home from the plumbing will change. Most people don't realize it, but many plumbing problems are seasonal, and burst pipes become more common with cooler temperatures. 

While most people understand that frozen pipes commonly cause pipe bursts, they aren't the only cause. When conditions are right, Burst pipes can be a threat all year. When pipes burst, they can quickly flood a home with thousands of gallons of water or sewage and take months to recover. Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent these plumbing disasters. Here is a quick guide from local plumbing contractors that can help owners take action to stop burst pipes. 

Prevent Clogs 

One of the causes of burst pipes that can occur at any time of the year is a burst sewer pipe. When sewer lines are installed they are never intended to handle much pressure. They are simply meant to be a thoroughfare to flush away waste. Unfortunately, clogs can occur in sewer pipes that aren't properly cared for. A clogged pipe causes sewage to back up, which in turn causes pressure to build in the pipe. Since the sewer pipe was never intended to handle that pressure, the pipe can burst. 

The best way to stop clogged pipes is to prevent them with good drain habits and preventative maintenance. First, pay attention to what goes down the drain. Discard all kitchen waste in the trash, and never flush anything other than waste and toilet paper down the commode. Secondly, scheduling drain cleaning, especially hydro jet drain cleaning, can prevent clogs by removing the root cause, namely, buildup on the inside walls of the pipe. 

Protect Pipes From Freezing 

No discussion of burst pipes would be complete without mentioning frozen pipes. Frozen pipes are a very common problem, but they are all preventable when the right measures are taken. To start, always make professionals ensure plumbing repairs. Plumbing codes are designed to protect pipes from freezing, so most frozen pipes are prevented simply by having professional installation done. 

In some cases, good installation practices aren't enough to protect pipes from freezing. In those cases, pipe insulation is probably all needed to prevent frozen pipes. 

Stop Corrosion 

Corrosion is a problem in any kind of plumbing that uses metal pipes. Copper and galvanized pipes that carry fresh water and steel or iron sewer pipes tend to rust. When corrosion occurs inside a pipe, the innermost layer of metal is oxidized and can start to flake off inside the pipe. This creates the perfect opportunity to interrupt the flow and cause a loss of water pressure and a spike in the internal pressure inside the pipes. 

The best way to stop corrosion is to ensure chemical drain cleaners are never used. These dangerous chemicals quickly corrode metal pipes, making them much more likely to burst. Leave drain cleaning to the professionals and simply schedule a drain cleaning visit from a local expert. 

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has nearly 40 years of experience preventing and responding to frozen pipes. They offer flat-rate pricing on most repairs. Call today for regular or emergency plumbing service in Carmel, IN. 

Contact Information:

Bedell Home Services

431 W Carmel Dr
Carmel, IN 46032
United States

Girish Iyer
(317) 891-2700
https://www.bedellhomeservices.com/