A good network of pipes means a healthy plumbing system. Pipes in a house not only bring water into your house but also transport the unclean water out. But because most pipes stay concealed and hidden, they remain overlooked and ignored. Ineffective caring for the pipes in your household may lead to chaotic events, and one such common event is, the bursting of a pipe due to extreme temperatures.
What Are The Reasons For a Pipe To Burst?
Pipes can burst due to various reasons, such as
long-ignored blockages, too high water pressure, external damage, and
corrosion. In extremely cold weather, pipes may freeze and expand. This increases
the lateral force on the pipes resulting in breaking or bursting. Thus, to
avoid freezing of the pipes, you can simply thaw it using the heat from a hair
dryer or heater.
What Should You Do If a Pipe Bursts?
If the
pipe happens to burst due to freezing temperatures, then here are some tips
that may come in handy:
1. Stop the flow of water
Since many pipes are interconnected and joined, water runs
in many parts of your house, and you need to stop water flow from the main valve.
If you live in an apartment, you may need to request the caretaker to hold the
water flow until you get the pipe fixed.
2. Drain Out the Water
The next step is to drain the system. It means you need to
remove any water that is still present in the pipe so as to stop it from
bursting any more. The outflow of additional water prevents the pipe from
freezing or cracking. It is a crucial point in fixing the pipe.
Once you have stopped the water supply and drained the
pipe, clean up any water that may have spilled on your floor. Doing so is
essential, especially if you have wooden flooring, as water can cause damage to
the wood. Use a mop to absorb excess water and then wipe it over with a wiper
or vacuum cleaner to dry out the surface.
4. Turn off electricity
If there is too much leakage or flooding, remember to turn
off the electricity as well. Take out all electronics from wherever the water
leaks so as to prevent electric shock. it is more important to protect yourself
first.
5. Hire Plumbing Services
After taking care of the initial essentials, you need to seek help from a professional. A plumber knows best how to fix or change a broken pipe altogether. It is always advisable to leave the job of repairing a pipe to the professional, as untrained hands can do more damage to the pipes.
Ways to Avoid Bursting of Pipe
Getting a pipe repaired might not cost you much. But
changing a burst pipe can lighten up your pocket. Therefore, it is an
intelligent choice to take care of the pipes in the plumbing system. Here are
some tips on how you can avoid the bursting of pipes due to extreme weather
conditions.
Whether the temperature outside or the water is cold or
hot, using temperature-resistant pipes can prevent them from getting damaged.
CPVC pipes are made with strong thermoplastic material and are used in
residential construction. It eliminates the risk of damage to pipes from highly
chlorinated water and high temperatures as well. You can also opt for CPVC pipe fittings along with CPVC pipes for a better and more durable
plumbing system.
Another good practice is to keep checking external pipes
regularly for any minor damage or leakage. By doing so, you can recognize pipes
that require minor repairs. Also, keep a lookout for any discoloration in the
running water. If the water smells or looks discolored, it could mean a
cracked or corroded pipe. Therefore, a thorough check of external pipes will lead
you to the one that needs repair. Gurgling noises from the taps and puddles of
water near the sink can also mean pipe fixing.
The first
and foremost step to a healthy plumbing system is the quality of pipes used to
build it. Therefore, if you choose a reputed brand, you get durable pipes that
last long. Doing so lowers the risk of a pipe rupture. Whether you opt for UPVC
or CPVC pipes is entirely your choice. Make sure that the company also provides
an excellent after-sales service which makes your experience a pleasant one.
Conclusion
Knowing
how to avoid damage or bursting of a pipe due to extreme temperatures is very
essential. In case you are faced with a burst pipe, you can keep some plumbing
tools ready. However, it is always wise to invest in either good UPVC or CPVC
pipes and UPVC fittings to have hassle-free plumbing in your house.