Preventing Clogs and Burst Pipes This Winter
There are four factors that can lead to burst pipes: Frozen pipes, a buildup of water pressure, corrosion and moving pipes.
No matter the source, a burst pipe is costly to repair. Homeowners have to replace the pipe and pay for the effects of water damage and mold.
In winter, cold temperatures are a primary source of frozen and burst pipes. When water freezes inside and the pipe starts to expand, the ice increases pressure until the material breaks open. Weak joints and pipe walls are both likely to be impacted by ice accumulation.
Burst Pipes During Winter
Pipes located in a poorly insulated area of the home, such as an unfinished basement or attic, are most likely to burst. Your home’s design and location may also play a factor. Oftentimes, burst pipes occur in areas exposed to the outdoors or in regions that rarely experience sudden cold spells.
Additional factors may weaken the pipes, resulting in areas more vulnerable to rupture:
- Moving Pipes: They are not secure inside the walls. The movement gradually weakens the pipe’s joints, until water pressure causes the joint or surrounding walls to burst open.
- Water Pressure: Consistent pressure keeps the water flowing; increased pressure also raises the risks of a burst pipe.
- Corrosion: Especially if your home was built when metal pipes were the standard, corrosion is a natural possibility, especially if hard water creates a pH imbalance. This wears down the coating and metal, which gradually starts to rust. These weakened areas may be releasing lead into your water and, if ice blocks the flow, the pipe could eventually open.
- Clogs: Whether ice or debris is the cause, water pressure continues to build up in the area, until the pipe can’t keep it contained. Take note of decreased water pressure whenever you turn on the faucet and have the clog removed before it worsens.
This time of year, what can homeowners do to prevent a burst pipe?
Keep Water Pressure Consistent
During winter, a quick solution is to allow a slow trickle of water to drip from your faucet. Doing so keeps the water moving and reduces pressure buildup inside.
Insulate Your Pipes
Keep your pipes warm, no matter if they are inside the house, close to the outdoors or exposed directly to the elements. For insulation, consider:
- Surrounding exposed pipes with a foam sleeve
- Keeping your home’s temperature no lower than 55 degrees
- Allowing warm air to circulate by keeping cabinet doors below sinks open
- Insulating the wall, floor and ceiling around the exposed pipes
- Keeping a space heater close by
- Surrounding any uninsulated pipes with heating tape
Watch Drains and Toilets
No foods, fats and other items not considered “sewer friendly” should be dumped down the drain. Over time, these substances will accumulate and harden, restricting or blocking the flow of water. Also use a strainer to cover your shower and bathroom sinks to catch hairs that could get trapped in your pipes.
Shut Off Exterior Water Sources
Whether for a hose or sprinkler system, the leftover water will expand when frozen and cause pipes to crack. In response, fully shut off these sources and drain any residual water once done for the season. Anything connected, even a garden hose, needs to be completely detached.
Clean Out the Drain
Using a drain cleaner, drain snake or plunger to remove the clog offers a temporary solution until a professional can address the problem. To reduce the risk of potential clogs, schedule annual drain cleanings to remove any deposits and potential sources of blockages.
If the pipe is too frozen to budge, try to de-thaw it. Opening the faucet and using a hairdryer increases the temperature and gets the water flowing through.
If you find yourself in this situation, schedule an appointment with M.J. Fahy & Sons to remove the clog or repair a burst pipe. To learn more, contact us today.
