Dealing with a burst pipe is most homeowners’ worst nightmare, but knowing what causes this issue can help protect your home and family.
So, why do pipes burst during winter?
Burst pipes can stem from several factors, including old age, freeze and thaw cycles, improper installation, or low-quality materials. When you have a burst pipe, it’s essential to call Farmington’s emergency plumber, Pro Comfort Control.
Why Pipes Burst During Winter
If you’re wondering, “Why do pipes burst during winter?” the simplest answer is freezing temperatures. Freezing water expands in volume as the ice crystals form within the pipes, causing the pipe to break open. The pipes’ age can also play a role in why they burst during cold weather.
As your pipes get older, they become more susceptible to corrosion, which can cause them to deteriorate over time and lead to damage. Additionally, certain types of piping materials are more prone to bursting during the winter than others.
For example, copper piping is typically not as durable as other materials like cast iron, which makes them more likely to rupture. Even high-quality copper piping can be susceptible to bursting under certain circumstances, so it’s essential to take proper precautions to prevent a pipe from bursting this winter.
Finally, improper installation or shoddy quality can lead to leaks and other issues affecting your pipes’ operation. If you’re planning to replace or repair any plumbing in your home this winter, choose a qualified contractor with experience installing and maintaining plumbing systems.
Dangers of Burst Pipes
Burst pipes can lead to water damage and expensive repairs that can strain your household budget. Water that spills from a burst pipe can damage your floors and belongings and cause mold and mildew growth, leading to serious health concerns for you and your family. If ignored for too long, a burst pipe can cause severe structural damage to your home, leading to costly repairs and property loss.
For example, if the water in the line freezes and expands and causes the pipe to crack, the wall cavity behind the wall can become flooded and cause extensive damage to the home’s structure. Fortunately, by taking proper precautions and working with a qualified professional plumber, you can reduce the risk of experiencing plumbing problems this winter and minimize the risk of damage to your home and personal belongings.
How to Prevent Bursting Pipes During the Winter
Now that you know why pipes burst during winter, you should make a few changes around your home to help prevent water pipes from freezing when the temperatures drop.
The first step is to insulate any exposed pipes in your home. If your water pipes are on a roof or in crawl spaces, homeowners should enclose or insulate them with heat tape to keep them from freezing during winter. You should also drain any remaining water from the outdoor faucets of your home to prevent water from building up inside the pipes and causing cracking.
If you experience frozen pipes in the winter, you can turn on the faucet nearest the frozen section and run the water until the ice thaws.
In some cases, this method may not be enough to prevent the pipe from bursting, so call a plumber if the frozen section of the line does not begin to thaw within 24 hours. Another way to prevent frozen pipes is to turn the temperature setting on your thermostat down to the lowest comfortable temperature and close the doors of unoccupied rooms to reduce heat loss.
In addition, it’s essential to keep the cabinet doors under your sinks open to allow warm air to circulate the pipes and prevent frost buildup. Once temperatures warm up in the spring, you can gradually raise the temperature and restore indoor comfort by switching the thermostat back to normal.
Get Help with Winterization or Emergency Plumbing Services Today
As a property owner, preventing frozen pipes this winter is crucial to avoid potential water damage to your property and costly repairs. Now that you know the answer to the question, “Why do pipes burst during winter?” you can make some small changes around your home to help keep your pipes in good condition and maintain water pressure.
At Pro Comfort Control, our team members are experts in plumbing winterization and burst frozen pipe repair. We are happy to answer any questions about our services or help you arrange a consultation with a team member.
Call today at 508-955-4776 to discuss our winterization services or schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
Author Bio:
Ryan McKernan
Founder
Passionate about delivering outstanding craftsmanship and superior customer service. Offering our customers the absolute best selection of heating, cooling, hot water and plumbing equipment and top-quality installation materials with industry leading installers. Brings over 25 years of invaluable experience to every project.
