Tag: prevent

How to Prevent Burst Pipes Around the Home

Avoiding the Damage Caused By Burst Pipes 

It may be hard to believe, but winter is coming. That means the threats posed to the home from the plumbing will change. Most people don't realize it, but many plumbing problems are seasonal, and burst pipes become more common with cooler temperatures. 

While most people understand that frozen pipes commonly cause pipe bursts, they aren't the only cause. When conditions are right, Burst pipes can be a threat all year. When pipes burst, they can quickly flood a home with thousands of gallons of water or sewage and take months to recover. Luckily, there are easy ways to prevent these plumbing disasters. Here is a quick guide from local plumbing contractors that can help owners take action to stop burst pipes. 

Prevent Clogs 

clogsOne of the causes of burst pipes that can occur at any time of the year is a burst sewer pipe. When sewer lines are installed they are never intended to handle much pressure. They are simply meant to be a thoroughfare to flush away waste. Unfortunately, clogs can occur in sewer pipes that aren't properly cared for. A clogged pipe causes sewage to back up, which in turn causes pressure to build in the pipe. Since the sewer pipe was never intended to handle that pressure, the pipe can burst. 

The best way to stop clogged pipes is to prevent them with good drain habits and preventative maintenance. First, pay attention to what goes down the drain. Discard all kitchen waste in the trash, and never flush anything other than waste and toilet paper down the commode. Secondly, scheduling drain cleaning, especially hydro jet drain cleaning, can prevent clogs by removing the root cause, namely, buildup on the inside walls of the pipe. 

Protect Pipes From Freezing 

No discussion of burst pipes would be complete without mentioning frozen pipes. Frozen pipes are a very common problem, but they are all preventable when the right measures are taken. To start, always make professionals ensure plumbing repairs. Plumbing codes are designed to protect pipes from freezing, so most frozen pipes are prevented simply by having professional installation done. 

In some cases, good installation practices aren't enough to protect pipes from freezing. In those cases, pipe insulation is probably all needed to prevent frozen pipes. 

Stop Corrosion 

corrosionCorrosion is a problem in any kind of plumbing that uses metal pipes. Copper and galvanized pipes that carry fresh water and steel or iron sewer pipes tend to rust. When corrosion occurs inside a pipe, the innermost layer of metal is oxidized and can start to flake off inside the pipe. This creates the perfect opportunity to interrupt the flow and cause a loss of water pressure and a spike in the internal pressure inside the pipes. 

The best way to stop corrosion is to ensure chemical drain cleaners are never used. These dangerous chemicals quickly corrode metal pipes, making them much more likely to burst. Leave drain cleaning to the professionals and simply schedule a drain cleaning visit from a local expert. 

About Bedell Home Services

Bedell Home Services has nearly 40 years of experience preventing and responding to frozen pipes. They offer flat-rate pricing on most repairs. Call today for regular or emergency plumbing service in Carmel, IN. 

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How You Can Prevent Frozen Pipes This Winter

Take These Winterizing Tips from the Professionals 

Frozen pipes are plumbing emergencies. That’s because frozen pipes can turn into burst pipes. A homeowner could deal with water damage, possible mold growth, and other issues in a few minutes. It’s better to prevent frozen pipes than to deal with their aftermath. 

Below, homeowners can learn everything they need to know about preventing frozen pipes. They can also learn a thing or two about the dangers of frozen pipes and the importance of preventing them in the first place. 

Why Are Frozen Pipes So Dangerous? frozen

As noted, frozen pipes turn into burst pipes. A burst pipe can cause: 

  • Water damage. A burst pipe can release gallons and gallons of water in minutes. The saturation can cause damage to drywall, insulation, flooring, and even the home’s structure. 
  • Mold growth. Even after a homeowner patches the pipe and removes the water, mold can still grow. Mold thrives in dark, damp areas. Over time, mold growth could cause homeowners to suffer respiratory ailments, such as coughing, sneezing, and shortness of breath. 
  • Damage to personal property. A burst pipe can destroy furniture, personal effects, and other items. The cost of repairing certain items may even outweigh the cost of replacing them. 

While not “dangerous,” a burst pipe can threaten a homeowner’s wallet. The cost of repairs, replacing certain items, and taking other measures quickly adds up. Nobody wants to deal with financial stress, especially around the holidays. Preventing burst pipes is a great way to combat any unexpected stressors. 

The Importance of Pipe Insulation insulation

Pipe insulation prevents frozen or burst pipes. The insulation is usually made from foam, plastic, or other hard materials. It prevents the water inside the pipes from getting too cold to freeze. It also offers these benefits: 

  • Insulation keeps water hotter for longer. Insulation transfers heat to the pipes, transferring heat to the water inside. One could find themselves enjoying longer, hotter showers after insulating some pipes. 
  • Insulation reduces utility bills. With pipe insulation, one doesn’t have to make their water heater work overtime. They can turn on the faucet and enjoy the warm water. In the long run, this could save money on powering the water heater and other in-home appliances. 

Foam pipe insulation offers many benefits to those worried about frozen pipes this winter. A professional can assess the home’s plumbing needs and take action to combat certain problems. 

Easy Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes 

Homeowners can keep pipes from freezing by: 

  • Opting for pipe covering. Certain pipes, like those located outside the home, are more likely to freeze than those inside the home’s walls. A homeowner can prevent these pipes from freezing by applying foam or plastic. 
  • Using space heaters. Some mudrooms don’t have adequate heating. Some frequently lose heat because of people coming in and out. A space heater can prevent this area’s pipes from freezing by managing its temperature. 
  • Knowing the signs of a frozen pipe. If homeowners take swift action, they can prevent frozen pipes from bursting. Some signs of a frozen pipe include frost on the exterior, poor water pressure, and inconsistent water temperature. 

About Bedell Home Services 

Bedell Home Services has one message for homeowners in Carmel, Indiana: “Don’t yell––call Bedell!” These professionals offer 24-hour plumbing services to those residing in the area. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau, these professionals offer same-day service, upfront pricing, and tailor-made solutions. Call now for plumbing service!

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