A sudden pipe burst is every homeowner’s nightmare. Flooding can cost you thousands of dollars in water damage, ruin irreplaceable heirlooms, destroy furniture, and, in severe cases, make your home temporarily uninhabitable. If you want to avoid losing all your hard-earned savings to a plumbing emergency, follow these tips to prevent pipe bursts.
Maintain Clean Drains
Dirty drains can become so clogged with buildup that they eventually break. A ruptured pipe can easily destroy a kitchen, bathroom, basement, or other space. Regular drain cleanings can help prevent this from happening. Contact a professional plumber to clean your drains instead of using over-the-counter products. These harsh chemicals may remove some debris, but they can also erode pipe walls, making the pipes more likely to break later.
Be Mindful of the Drain Disposal
Avoid pouring substances like grease or oil down your kitchen sink, and never flush anything other than toilet paper down your drains. These types of behaviors can lead to a burst pipe that you can’t contain. Drains are strong, but they have limits on the types of debris they can handle. Plus, many substances or objects people put down drains are harmful to the environment and may contaminate the water supply.
Always be mindful of your disposal habits. If you’re ever unsure whether something can be rinsed down the sink or flushed down the toilet, call a plumbing company and ask.
Keep the Heat on in Winter
Your home should be kept at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burst pipes during the winter. If you plan to be away for the holiday season, make sure you either have a smart thermostat to monitor your temperature or have a house sitter look after things while you’re away.
Frozen pipes become more brittle, which makes them more likely to burst, especially if you shock them with hot water. Temperatures below 55 degrees can put your entire home’s plumbing system at risk, so always be mindful.
Get Repairs ASAP
A leaky pipe may seem like a minor issue, but it could worsen over time and cause a plumbing emergency. If you want to avoid flooding and water damage, address any necessary repairs right away with an expert. Plumbers can take care of small issues quickly, patch up weak points in your plumbing system, and even replace specific segments to prevent future emergencies.
Remember, it’s never too early to get a plumbing repair. If your faucets and drains don’t work properly, consult a local technician to get them fixed.
With proper maintenance and repairs, plumbing can last a lifetime. If you have concerns about your system or just questions about maintenance, contacting a plumber is a fast, easy way to get peace of mind. If you live in Pueblo, CO or a surrounding area and need pipe repair services, make your first call to R Buck Heating.