What to Do When Pipes Burst
A burst pipe is an Atlanta homeowner's nightmare. It can involve water entering your home unexpectedly and undermining your comfort and safety. In fact, every minute counts when dealing with pipes bursting, which is considered a plumbing emergency.
In this guide, we will 1) explore crucial steps you can take to protect your home and prevent water damage and 2) answer what to do when pipes burst. By the end, you will be better prepared to handle the unexpected and know who to call if and when a problem with your pipes emerges.
Table of Contents
What Causes Burst Pipes in Atlanta
Signs of a Potential Burst Pipe
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts
How Can I Prevent Pipes from Freezing and Bursting?
Schedule Burst Pipe Repair Service
What Causes Burst Pipes in Atlanta?
Several factors can cause pipes to burst: extreme weather conditions, poor pipe placement, and natural aging over time. Understanding these common factors can help you prevent future emergencies and protect your plumbing system. Here are some of the main reasons for burst pipes and how to identify warning signs:
Temperature Changes
Temperature fluctuations pose one of the greatest threats to your plumbing system, particularly during winter months. When pipes are exposed to rapid temperature changes, the repeated expansion and contraction of metal creates significant stress.
For example, according to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety, a quarter-inch crack in a pipe can release up to 250 gallons of water per day, causing serious damage to a home.
Freezing temperatures are particularly dangerous. Water pipes have a risk of freezing at 32°F degrees or below. As a result, if you are encountering low temperatures, preventative measures should be taken to keep your pipes warm, such as through insulation or letting the faucets drip.
Aging Infrastructure
Another reason for burst pipes could be attributed to aging infrastructure. As pipes age, corrosion can occur, leading to mineral buildup and pipe damage. It is crucial to know the age of your pipes and have them inspected to ensure they haven't reached the end of their useful life. If you ignore warning signs like corrosion, this can lead to a larger problem down the road.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure can also lead to burst pipes, especially if your pipes are older and not equipped to handle a lot of pressure.
Tree Roots
Tree roots can damage pipes. It is difficult to know how and where tree roots will grow over time. As a result, this can culminate into damaged pipes underneath or around your home.
Signs of a Potential Burst Pipe
Now that we have discussed the reasons for a bursting pipe, it is crucial also to know the signs and symptoms that indicate the need for immediate inspection and repair from a licensed and trained plumbing company in Atlanta.
From unusual noises to visible leaks, musty odors to mold or mildew growth, here are signs of a potential burst pipe:
Dripping or Gurgling Sounds
If you hear unusual noises such as gurgling or dripping, this can indicate a possible pipe bursting. It is important to get this checked sooner rather than later to avoid a more severe and expensive problem from occurring.
Visible Leaks
Watch out for visible drips, puddles, or damp spots around pipe joints and connections. If you have an older plumbing system, it can be more prone to developing leaks.
Therefore, any visible cracks or water accumulation indicates a problem that requires immediate attention.
Musty Odors
Do you notice any musty or damp smells? If so, this is a warning sign and indicates the need for inspection and repair.
Discolored Water
If you notice your water has an unusual color, this could indicate pipe leaks. When water flows through rusty pipes, it often becomes discolored. If you encounter this issue, it's crucial to have a professional plumber inspect your system immediately.
Unexplained Water Bill Increases
A sudden spike in your water bills without increased usage is another warning sign of water leaks. If you find your bill needing more while maintaining the same water usage habits, you may have a hidden leak that needs attention.
Mold and Mildew Growth
The presence of mold or mildew often signals water leaks, as these organisms require moisture to thrive. Watch for any discoloration on walls or ceilings, as these spots can indicate water damage from hidden leaks.
Even small patches of mold should be investigated promptly, as they suggest an underlying moisture problem.
What to Do When a Pipe Bursts?
When a pipe bursts, the first step you want to take is to turn off the water supply. That way, no water will continue flowing, and you can start addressing the current damage and call for help. It is crucial to keep safety in mind during this time.
For instance, you should avoid any contact with electrical systems, as water being present can pose numerous risks. You may need to evacuate the area if the leak is powerful.
Call a Professional
It is crucial to call a licensed plumber as soon as possible. Only a professional can resolve the issue as quickly and safely as possible. Delaying your response or postponing repairs can lead to severe consequences, including structural damage, flooding, and the loss of valuable possessions. Prompt response time can help prevent the development of mold, which can pose serious health risks.
Document the Damage
When water damage does occur, you should thoroughly document everything by taking detailed photos and videos of the affected areas. This documentation is essential for your insurance claim, as it provides clear evidence of the extent of damage. Create a comprehensive list of damaged items, including their condition and approximate value, to submit to your insurance company. This detailed record will help ensure you receive appropriate compensation for your losses.
How Can I Prevent Pipes from Freezing and Bursting?
You can implement a few preventative maintenance practices to help avoid costly pipe bursts and water damage, including insulation, regular inspections, and other preventative measures.
Insulation of exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated areas of your home such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces, is an effective way to add an extra layer of protection against the extreme cold weather and temperature fluctuations that can cause pipes to expand and contract.
Moreover, having regular piping inspections are crucial for early detection of any issues, such as corrosion, small cracks, or unusual wear. After all, even minor problems can develop into expensive emergency repairs if left unaddressed.
Estes Services offers a Plumbing Plan as part of our Maintenance Membership Plans to accommodate for comprehensive plumbing maintenance checks that help ensure your comfort, safety, and peace of mind. In fact, the Plumbing Plan includes an inspection of your pipes, in which any problematic signs would be noted and promptly addressed. So, if and when a winter storm strikes, you will feel better prepared knowing that you have an Estes Maintenance Membership.
Last but not least, it is important to note that, during periods of extreme cold, consider reducing your water pressure to minimize stress on your plumbing system. High water pressure and freezing temperatures can create the perfect conditions for pipe bursts. Additionally, allowing your faucets to drip slightly during frigid weather in Atlanta, GA, can help prevent pressure buildup within the pipes, reducing the risk of ruptures.
Schedule Burst Pipe Repair Service Now
Water damage from burst pipes can devastate your home in minutes, potentially leading to expensive repairs, property loss, and/or potential health hazards from mold growth. With over 75 years of experience serving the greater Atlanta area, Estes Services knows the ins and outs of plumbing repair services.
Whether you need a repair or have a plumbing emergency, we are here to help this winter. Schedule service online, or give us a call. It's that Easy; It's Estes!
