Dealing With A Burst Pipe?

For many years, DRYMAX has been a trusted name in Idaho and Washington, and we know that burst pipes are always an unwelcome surprise. If you are facing a flooding emergency, please utilize the emergency lines provided below.

EMERGENCY 24/7 LINES

IDAHO

208-712-4713

Washington

509-581-4129

208-626-6406

509-581-4129

As winter approaches, it's crucial to pay attention to the security of your home. One of the most unexpected threats you might face is a burst pipe. These incidents can occur at any hour, disrupting your plans for the following day, and the Greater Spokane, Washington, and Coeur d'Alene areas are certainly no exception. A burst pipe can result in both minor and significant flooding, damaging any porous materials in its path. Fortunately, Drymax is here to assist in restoring your home to its former condition.

What Causes Burst Pipes?

Winter has a talent for freezing your pipes, often resulting in them bursting. While the cold isn't the only factor, it is certainly one of the primary ones. Other contributing factors include corrosion and clogs.

Freezing Temperatures: When temperatures plunge below freezing, water can freeze within your pipes. This solidified water can create a blockage, leading to increased pressure that may cause your pipes to burst. Factors contributing to this issue include inadequate insulation around pipes, malfunctioning heating systems in homes, and insufficient running water. This is one of the primary reasons homes experience flooding.

Corrosion: This is a common issue in older homes that feature iron or steel plumbing. Over time, our pipes are constantly exposed to water, which results in wear and tear ultimately leading to a pipe burst. This problem is particularly prevalent with hard water, water that has a low pH, and water with high oxygen levels. Additionally, pipes situated in humid or damp environments, such as basements, are extremely vulnerable.

Clogs: Whether it’s your toilet or kitchen sink, a clog can result in a burst pipe and a flooded home. Disposing of grease and oils down the kitchen sink can cause them to solidify and create blockages, while flushing excessive toilet paper or non-flushable items can have the same effect, leading to increased pressure in your plumbing system. This may ultimately result in a pipe bursting or even damage to your home's infrastructure.

How To Prevent Your Pipes From Bursting

Although there is no guaranteed method to completely stop your pipes from bursting, there are several measures you can take to mitigate the risk.

Frozen Pipes

Insulation: Insulating your exposed pipes is essential! Using foam covers or insulation wraps on your exposed pipes can help keep them from becoming too cold. Exterior hose bibs are among the primary offenders when it comes to pipe bursts and flooded homes. Protecting these and any other exposed piping could make all the difference.

Seal Air Leaks: Sealing air leaks around windows, doors, and ventilation fans can help maintain a consistent temperature in your home. This is particularly crucial for unheated spaces such as basements, crawlspaces, and attics, as it helps keep exposed pipes in these areas warmer and minimizes the risk of freezing.

Let Faucets Drip: FAllowing water to flow helps prevent stagnation, which can lead to freezing during temperature drops. Flowing water also aids in keeping your pipes sufficiently warm to avoid bursting, particularly in areas with exposed plumbing. Make sure to let your faucets drip when temperatures dip below freezing.

Rusted Pipes

Test Water Pressure: Elevated water pressure can put a strain on your pipes, particularly those affected by corrosion. Even pipes that appear sound can suffer premature damage due to high water pressure. It's essential to assess your water system to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Check For Corrosion: Pipes exhibiting signs of rust or corrosion are more prone to issues. If you notice any of these, consult a professional for assistance.

Install A Water Softener: Hard water can accelerate corrosion in your pipes. Installing a water softener can help safeguard your home. Some water softeners come with pH adjustment features that assist with acidic water flowing through your pipes.

Monitoring Your Water Pipes

Monitoring your water pipes can protect your home from a devastating flood. Inspect them regularly for signs of wear and tear. Here are a few key things to watch for.

Unusual Sounds: Banging or clanking sounds may indicate high water pressure, while high-pitched noises could suggest restricted water flow.

Visible Water Stains or Discoloration: Water stains on ceilings or walls can suggest a leak in your plumbing.

Low Water Pressure: Any reduction or sudden halt in water pressure from faucets or showers could signal a blockage or corrosion interfering with the water flow in your pipes.

Rust Or Corrosion: Inspect under sinks, in basements, or any other locations with exposed pipes for signs of flaking or visible rust. Discolored water from any faucets suggests rust and/or corrosion within your pipes, which could lead to potential pipe failure.

DRYMAX Is Here For You

For many years, Drymax has been a trusted name in the Coeur d'Alene and Greater Spokane Washington area. Our team of IICRC-trained technicians is here to assist you if your home has suffered water damage. Should you encounter a flood from a burst pipe, rest assured that we are available around the clock for all your water damage restoration needs.