The average lifespan of a pipe is 50 years, but sometimes they can last up to 80 years—depending on how well they’ve been treated and maintained. If you haven’t replaced your pipes in some time, it’s possible that they’re too old and won’t withstand pressure from water when it’s turned on for longer periods of time.
Clogs and blockages
These are the most common cause of burst pipes, making up over half of all cases. People often leave debris in the pipes that build up and cause pressure to build. This can lead to a rupture or even an explosion.
Poor installation
If there are any leaks or cracks in your plumbing system, water will leak out and can cause flooding or, even worse, serious damage to your home. An improper installation can also lead to clogs and blockages, as well as the poor flow of water through the system.
Water hammer
Water hammer is the most common cause of burst pipes. It occurs when a sudden change in pressure occurs, such as when you turn off the tap or stop a running faucet. This can cause shock waves that travel through your pipes and cause them to burst.
This is more likely to happen if:
– Your pipes are old and rusty
– Your home has low water pressure
– There are long distances between fixtures (e.g., a bathtub or toilet) and the water main
What to Do with Burst Pipes?
Dealing with burst pipes can be a stressful situation, but there are immediate steps you can take to mitigate damage and ensure safety. Here’s what you should do if you have burst pipes:
Shut off the water supply.
The first thing you must do during a flood is shutting off the water supply. If you don’t, you’ll just be making things worse.
Open faucets and relieve pressure.
Since you’ve already shut off your main water supply, you will want to relieve any excess pressure built up in your pipes by opening faucets throughout your home (and anywhere else there may be standing water).
Turn off the electricity.
If there’s water flowing in your home or business, turn off the electricity immediately! If there’s an electrical short, it can cause a fire.
Assess the damage.
Take a look around at the damaged area and try to assess how much water has been lost (if any). This will help you determine how much damage has been done to your property and how much work will be required to fix things up again.
Remove standing water.
This is the most important part of dealing with burst pipes. You should never try to repair a burst pipe without removing all the standing water from around it first.
Call a plumber.
Don’t try to fix your broken pipe yourself—it’s dangerous and illegal in many areas to attempt to do so without proper training and certification (and even then, there are many dangers involved). Instead, call professional repipe specialists who know what they’re doing and can help you get back on track quickly and safely.
Take pictures for insurance.
It’s always a good idea to take pictures for insurance purposes. Pictures will help you show the damage, and they’ll also be useful in helping you remember what the situation looked like before the burst pipes.
Contact your insurance company.
Once again, it’s important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a burst pipe. Don’t wait until everything has dried out; this will make it harder for them to assess the damage. You’ll want to let them know about any injuries and make sure they know where they can find you if they need more information.
Keep damaged items for inspection.
If any personal belongings were damaged, keep them aside for insurance inspection. Your insurance adjuster may need to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Prevent further damage.
While waiting for repairs, take steps to prevent further damage. This may involve using temporary measures like sealing smaller leaks or covering damaged areas with plastic sheets until the plumber arrives.
How to prevent burst pipes in winter?
Winter is a time for snow, ice, and… burst pipes. When the temperature drops, your pipes can freeze and crack, causing leaks and damage to your home. To make sure you don’t have to worry about burst pipes this winter, here are 10 tips on how to prevent pipe bursts in the winter:
Insulate exposed pipes.
If you have exposed pipes in your home, like those carrying hot water or steam, you should wrap them up with a layer of insulation. This will help keep the heat in so that it doesn’t escape through the pipe walls as quickly.
Seal gaps and cracks.
You should also make sure that there are no gaps or cracks anywhere near where heat might escape from your home’s interior—for instance, between your window frames and the wall or ceiling behind them (or between the wall or ceiling itself). You can use weather stripping around doors and windows to seal off any leaky areas where warm air could escape into the outside world. This is especially important if you have older windows in which seals may have decayed over time due to wear and tear.
Disconnect outdoor hoses.
If you have an outdoor hose connected to your house, disconnect it and store it in a dry place until spring arrives. This will prevent water from freezing inside the hose and causing damage if a sudden temperature drops.
Shut off and drain unused water lines.
If you have an underground sprinkler system or another water line that is not in use, shut off the valve to it and drain the line by opening a faucet near where the hose enters the house. Also, check for any leaks or cracks in your pipes—if you find one, call a burst pipe repair plumber immediately to prevent water pipe burst!
Keep the heat on.
When it’s cold outside, there’s less pressure in your pipes, which means they’re more likely to burst. If you keep the heat on in your home, however, your water will be warmer and less likely to expand or contract as much when it’s under pressure.
Allow warm air circulation.
Having warm air circulate through your pipes helps prevent burst pipes in winter. It keeps them from getting so cold that they become brittle and break easily when under pressure or exposed to extreme temperatures (sometimes in winter). The best way to do this is by using a humidifier or dehumidifier—but anything that circulates warm air will work!
Drip faucets.
A drip faucet is one of the most common causes of burst pipes in winter. Most people believe that if they turn off their faucet while they’re not using it, they’re saving water and preventing a burst pipe. But, in actuality, turning off your faucet will only stop half of your water flow—and leave the other half running through your pipes all day long! The best way to learn how to prevent water pipe bursts is by installing a drip valve on each of your taps so that you can shut off the water supply completely when not in use.
Monitor water pressure.
If you suspect your pressure is too high or too low, call a plumber immediately! High pressure could mean something wrong with your pipes; low pressure could mean an obstruction somewhere along the line (like tree roots). Keep an eye on your pressure gauge throughout the winter months so that you can address any problems as soon as possible before they become serious!
Educate household members.
Educate household members about how important it is to keep water flowing through your pipes regularly. When the temperature drops, the air around our homes gets cold too, which can cause water inside your home’s pipes to freeze. This causes them to expand and then suddenly contract when they thaw out again—which can result in a burst pipe if you don’t keep up with regular flushing (and even if you do).
Consider a smart thermostat or water alarm system.
If you have an old-fashioned thermostat, consider upgrading to a smart one that your smartphone can control remotely. These thermostats can also monitor humidity levels and alert you when it’s time to turn down the heat or adjust humidity settings accordingly. Or consider using a water alarm system that will automatically shut off your water supply if it detects any leaks or bursts in pipes before too much damage is done!
DIY Vs. Professional Burst Pipe Repair Solution: Which is Better?
When your burst pipe breaks and causes a flood, you may be tempted to take matters into your own hands. After all, it’s tempting to save money and get the job done yourself. However, when it comes to burst pipes, there are some things that are better left in the hands of a professional.
Here’s a comparison chart outlining the differences between DIY and professional burst pipe repair solutions so that you can make a well-informed decision:
| Aspect | DIY Burst Pipe Repair | Professional Burst Pipe Repair |
| Skill and expertise | Requires moderate to advanced plumbing skills | Professionals have specialized knowledge and experience |
| Cost | Lower cost, as you’re doing the work yourself | Higher cost, as you’re paying for professional services |
| Time and convenience | Can take longer, especially for inexperienced individuals | Professionals can complete the repair quickly and efficiently |
| Tools and equipment | Limited tools and equipment required | Professionals have access to specialized tools and equipment |
| Quality of repair | Depends on individual skills and knowledge | Professionals provide high-quality and reliable repairs |
| Insurance coverage | Repairs done personally may not be covered by insurance | Professional repairs are more likely to be covered by insurance |
| Guarantee/warranty | No formal guarantee or warranty provided | Professionals may offer warranties or guarantees for their work |
| Complex or extensive damage | DIY repairs may not be suitable for complex or extensive damage | Professionals are equipped to handle complex repairs and larger-scale damage |
| Safety considerations | DIY repairs carry the risk of potential hazards | Professionals prioritize safety and adhere to industry standards |
| Knowledge of local plumbing codes | May lack knowledge of local plumbing codes | Professionals are familiar with local codes and regulations |
| Peace of mind | May lack confidence or peace of mind | Professional services offer peace of mind and assurance |
Get A Permanent Solution From A Local Burst Pipe Repair Plumber In Stafford!
Burst pipes can cause a lot of damage to your house and the belongings you have inside. But don’t worry; Hynes Plumbing Services is here to help. We are your local professional burst pipe repair company that provides our services throughout Stafford.
We know how stressful it can be when your water pipes burst and flood your home, especially if you have a family or pets at home.
At Hynes Plumbing Services, we also understand that, and we’re here to help. We know how stressful it can be when dealing with burst pipes or other plumbing issues, so we do everything we can to make sure our customers feel comfortable and at ease while waiting for us to show up at their doorsteps.
Our team of professional plumbers is fully trained and ready to make your burst pipe repair as painless as possible.
Not only do we offer high-quality workmanship, but we also offer affordable prices on all of our services. Our goal is to provide quality service at an affordable price so everyone can afford it!
Moreover, Hynes Plumbing Services has been serving the community for more than 25 years by providing quality service at an affordable price!
So, if you’re looking for a local Burst Pipe Repair in Stafford or an experienced team of professionals who can help fix any issue around your home or business, call us today at (540) 659-3295!