Prevent a Burst Pipe in Your Home
For many West Covina homeowners, one of their biggest fears involves a pipe bursting. If this happens when they are at work or on vacation, the damage can be devastating.
However, there are things that can be done to prevent a burst pipe from occurring. By using some common sense and having a plumber conduct a thorough inspection of the home’s plumbing system prior to cold weather, chances are good that this potential plumbing disaster can be avoided.
Keep Pipes Warm
Whether pipes are located in areas of a home that are warm or in places that are much colder, it’s important to make sure all pipes are kept warm enough to keep the water inside them from freezing.
Pipes that are located in basements, crawlspaces, garages, or attics are particularly vulnerable to bursting when temperatures drop.
A problem primarily in older homes, it can be taken care of with one of several options. The most common method used is wrapping the pipes in heat tape, which keeps them warm year-round.
Another option is to have Styrofoam pipe insulation installed by a plumber, which can also solve the problem. In spots where the pipes are exposed to extremely low temperatures, heating cables that are temperature-controlled may be laid directly on the pipes to keep them from bursting.
Insulate Cold Areas
Because many pipes are located in out-of-the-way spots in homes like basements or attics, it’s always a good idea to ensure these areas have been properly insulated to keep temperatures as warm as possible.
If pipes in an attic burst, water will often seep into walls and ceilings below, causing extensive damage that may cost thousands of dollars to repair.
If a pipe located in a basement or crawlspace bursts, extensive damage to the West Covina home’s foundation can take place. By having these areas insulated, pipes can stay just warm enough to avoid freezing.
Keep Water Running Through Faucets
In very cold temperatures, plumbers advise people to keep one or two faucets running at all times to keep water from freezing. Generally, faucets located in the top and bottom levels of homes work best for this.
Pipes that have water continuously running in them rarely if ever burst, which can be a safe way to ensure no problems of this nature occur. By allowing pipes to have a constant flow of water through them, the water inside them can be prevented from freezing.
Avoid a costly pipe burst with these key tips! Call Daniel Cordova Plumbing, Drain & Sewer at (626) 962-0885 for repairs in your West Covina, CA home.