Tips From the Professionals to Prevent Burst Pipes

As fall winds down, winter is ready to take its place in full force. While there still may be some time to prepare for winter, it is always better to be prepared for problems instead of reacting to a disaster. This is especially true when it comes to frozen pipes. 

There will likely have already been nights below freezing in the Sun Prairie area, but temperatures have not been low enough for a long enough time to expose which pipes may be prone to freezing. Instead of being caught off guard, take this advice from local emergency burst pipe repair specialists and prevent problems before they plague the home by taking action now. Here are a few tips to help. 

What are the Consequences of Burst Pipes?

Dealing with a burst pipe, especially during the holidays, can be an expensive and time-consuming ordeal. When pipes burst in the winter, it is always because they have frozen in the cold temperatures. As the water inside the pipe freezes, it expands until it ruptures the pipe walls. Not only will families have to deal with a loss of flowing water because of the freeze, but it is also very likely they will have to deal with a flood once the pipe thaws out. 

The floods that are caused by a frozen pipe are more serious than the frozen pipe itself. It is often outdoor water lines that freeze, burst, and flood. When that happens, it can quickly turn a lawn into a skating rink. If the pipe that bursts happens to be in a wall or attic, the results can be truly disastrous, requiring repairs and opening up the door to mold growth inside the home.  

Does Pipe Insulation Really Help?

Homes are designed around the principle that they will protect the pipes installed inside of them. However, this doesn’t always prevent frozen pipes. When new lines are run through the attic or crawl spaces, these pipes can get colder than expected. The best way to protect vulnerable pipes, regardless of their location, is pipe insulation. 

Pipe insulation is a cheap solution to protect against frozen pipes. The product itself comes in multiple sizes to accommodate any pipe that may be found in a home. The insulation comes in long tubes that split lengthwise to install along pipes. Insulation can be done by DIYers or professionals, and it can prevent disasters. 

More Easy Ways to Stave Off Paying for Burst Pipe Repair

While good installation and insulation practices can prevent most burst pipes, a few other winterization tips can give homeowners the peace of mind that their homes are safe. Some of these winterization ideas are:

• Drain irrigation systems
• Drain and store garden hoses for the winter
• Add heat tape to pipes that are insulated but still vulnerable
• Reroute vulnerable piping
• Update piping to more modern materials that aren’t as susceptible to bursting, such as PEX
• Keep fixtures dripping in the winter to allow slow but continuous flow through pipes
• Uses space heaters to keep piping that is installed in exterior walls warm

About Oliver's Plumbing

Oliver’s Plumbing is a family-owned business serving customers for over 15 years. They offer attractive flat-rate pricing and extended warranties on their parts and labor. Call today for pipe insulation or other winterization needs.

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