Here at BL3 Plumbing, we believe that the pipes within a plumbing system are the most important features. Whether you’re talking about the water lines or the drainage lines, you always want to be prepared.
One of the key aspects that keeps a home or place of business running smoothly is the plumbing. We usually take the plumbing system for granted until something breaks down, such as a fixture. However, it can be a distressing feeling when a plumbing issue arises. As the winter season approaches, one of the things that you have to address will include learning to prevent frozen pipes.
The cold temperatures can linger anywhere between November through February and sometimes March, depending on where you live. Some states may experience extreme temps that bring freezing weather and readings that dip well below the 32-degree mark. Once the temperatures reach the freezing point, this is when you have to keep an eye on the pipes, especially if you’re in for a long stretch. The cold temps can cause a pipe to burst, which is a serious matter that can come out costly in the end.
Why do Pipes Burst With Freezing Temperatures?
Learning how to prevent frozen pipes is essential. Freezing water works in an interesting way. When water begins to freeze, it starts to expand. No matter what types of pipes you have installed in your plumbing, such as metal or plastic, this expansion will cause tremendous pressure within the pipe. As the water continues to expand, eventually, the pipe will break causing a leak in the process. Depending on the breakage, the water leak can come in drips or a larger flow that will cause immediate problems.
Pipes that are well insulated can withstand freezing temperatures, which is why we recommend proper winterization before the cold weather arrives where you live. Another thing experts recommend is leaving a small drip of water flowing from the faucets. You don’t need to know exactly how much drip to prevent frozen pipes as long as there is a flow of water.
However, your best bet is to invest in a winterization system. This will guarantee to keep your pipes from bursting, keeping your plumbing working properly. With BL3 Plumbing, you’ll be able to get the best out of our options in plumbing installations, maintenance and repairs.
What Happens When a Pipe Bursts?
A pipe that breaks as a result of a frozen water line can be a hectic experience. Not only will you have to deal with the headaches of leaking water, but you’ll also have to deal with the repair in the middle of a cold snap. Depending on where the break happens, you may have to shut off the main valve that controls the water going to your house.
One of the first things that could happen when a pipe burst is a deluge of water everywhere. In fact, the water pressure alone can collapse the ceiling or walls. Moreover, the risk of flooding water in a home can involve damage to electrical systems, which can lead to electrocution. This is why we define all water breaks or burst pipes as a plumbing emergency. Fortunately, we offer 24/7 emergency services for such an occurrence.
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing
One of the first things to do is to inspect the entire house. You can look for pipes that could be exposed to the weather elements. Make sure that you also insulate pipes in the basement and pipes in poorly insulated walls. Underground pipes should be perfectly fine because the soil will keep them blanketed and warm. Another thing you can do is disconnect exterior hoses.
However, in the end, shutting off the main water valve is the ultimate assurance to making sure you avoid a burst pipe. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the proper way to winterize your plumbing, you can contact BL3 Plumbing. By doing this, you can prevent frozen pipes.
The Cost to Winterize Vs. Fixing a Burst Pipe
Is it worth winterizing your pipes? Well, if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are the norm, we recommend a full winterization of the entire plumbing system, including the water heater. This can give you peace of mind knowing that you’ll be prepared for those cold conditions. You can contact your plumbing company to ask for an estimate. The plumber will come out to your home to give an accurate price.
Rest assured that the price to winterize your plumbing will come out much cheaper than repairing a burst pipe. Moreover, you'll also prevent any additional costs that could come from leaking water coming from your pipes. Remember that any water seeping into your home can create mold in the long run. Any rotted wood located inside your walls, floor or anywhere in your home will also need to be replaced, easily going up into the thousands of dollars in repairs.
The Benefits of Protecting Your Pipes
One of the biggest benefits that come from winterizing your plumbing is assurance. Knowing that you'll be covered when those freezing temps arrive at your home can be a stress reliever. Anyone who has gone through the experience of dealing with a burst pipe in the middle of winter knows how much the ordeal takes its toll. Along with being well prepared, you’ll also save money. Sometimes, water leaks that occur somewhere along the water line can go unnoticed. This can drive up your monthly water bill.
Another benefit is protecting your home from water damage. Most of the time, burst pipes will cause a big leak in the pipes. This can cause irreversible damage to parts of the home that will need to be repaired. The last thing you want is to flood your basement.
By the time you shut the main water valve, it may be too late. The tremendous pressure and force that will come from the burst pipe will flood your home quickly. In some instances, homeowners have had to deal with structural problems because of water leaking from the pipes. You'll be able to save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on potential repairs alone.
Signs Your Pipes Have Burst or Have a Leak
What are some of the signs that you can look for if you think your pipes have burst? Let’s review some winter plumbing tips and telltale signs that indicate a leak or burst pipe somewhere in the water line:
Low water pressure: One of the first things to look for is low water pressure. If you’re not getting the same output in water pressure as before, chances are water is leaking somewhere else.
Puddled water: Make sure that you look inside your home as well as outside your home. Look out for any puddled water, which can be suspicious if it hasn’t rained.
Unpleasant odors: Foul odors can indicate standing water somewhere in the exterior or the interior part of the house. Make sure to call a qualified plumber to investigate the source, which could be a leaky pipe.
High water bills: If you notice an increase in your monthly water bills, it can point to a broken water line. This is mainly due to some of the water leaking somewhere along the line.
Dirty water: When you turn on the faucets in your home, look for dirty water. Any colored water, such as brown, can point to a break in the water line. This usually indicates dirt coming into the line and mixing with the water going inside your home.
Gurgling sounds: Unusual sounds like gurgling noises that are coming from the faucet can seem to indicate a problem in the water flow, such as an obstruction somewhere in the pipes.
Frosted pipes: Seeing frosted pipes is how to tell your pipes are frozen. Once you notice frost forming around your pipes, more than likely, your pipes are already frozen on the inside. In this case, we recommend shutting off the water completely before the pipe bursts.
Hiring a Qualified Company
When you’re having issues with your plumbing or want to winterize your system and prevent frozen pipes from happening, you can always contact BL3 Plumbing. We ensure quality results so that you can have your plumbing working smoothly year-round. We also give clear, transparent prices for all of our services and offer 10% military and senior discounts. Call us today and make an appointment with our team!
