How to Protect Your Home Against Dangerous Pipes
Frozen pipes are particularly dangerous in the winter. This condition is the result of rapid expansion and contraction of the pipe. It is particularly common in older homes and houses with poor insulation. To avoid such a situation, you should take certain precautions. Read on to learn about some of the most common causes of frozen pipes. Here are some tips to protect your home from such dangerous conditions. Here are some tips on how to protect your home from freezing pipes.
Burst pipes are not always obvious. Most of the time, bursting pipes are caused by freezing temperatures and can cause extensive damage to the walls. For this reason, Winter 2018 in the NorthEast brought significant damages from faulty toilets and plumbing. Supply lines in washing machines and dishwashers can corrode and bust, causing extreme damage. To prevent this from happening, install drain covers and shut off all faucets.
Burst pipes can occur anywhere in the home. The cause is usually freezing temperatures, and they can create catastrophic damage to the walls. Especially in cold areas, burst pipes can cause significant damages. In addition to the water, toilet supply lines can corrode and bust, causing a huge mess. It is also advisable to check the supply lines of washing machines and dishwashers. During winter, they are often made of pex or rubber.
Even though these leaks may not seem like a huge issue at first, they can lead to much bigger problems in the long run. If you are unaware of a leak, you should remove all the affected items immediately. If there is no power, you can make use of old towels, mops, and buckets to dry up the area. If you have standing water, you should rent a submersible pump or buy a wet/dry vacuum.
A faulty pipe should be repaired immediately. The faulty pipe must be disconnected from the main water shut-off valve. This is a critical step in protecting your home against dangerous pipes. If you cannot afford to pay the repair bills, you should consider a permanent solution. A temporary fix is a rubber plug. If you don’t have this option, you can use a silicone gasket instead.
When you notice a leaking pipe, shut it off immediately. You can also try insulating pipes to prevent freezing. Besides insulating the pipes, you should also maintain a comfortable temperature for the pipes. If you have a refrigerator, set the thermostat to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that a freezer can freeze the water in the refrigerator. Then, you must thaw the pipe to prevent a leak from spreading into your kitchen and bathroom.
Stopping a leaking pipe should be your first priority. If a leak is already present, shut off the water immediately to minimize water damage. If the pipes are still in good shape, you should take a video of the leak. Once plumber ‘ve taken the pictures, you should try to turn the water back on. You can then take a photo of the affected areas and document the damage.
During cold weather, pipes may break or freeze, and a professional can help you prevent a leak by performing a thorough inspection. While leaks can be difficult to detect, they can lead to expensive damage in your home. Therefore, you should be diligent in inspecting the pipes in your home regularly. This will not only ensure that the pipes are in good condition, but will also prevent leaks.
It’s best to keep an emergency kit in your home. Not only will it help you if you’re in an emergency, but it will also prevent the damage from happening in the first place. It’s wise to keep a flashlight nearby in case of a power outage. And don’t forget to use the main water shutoff. This can help you prevent a water leak from becoming a disaster and save you time and money.