Here in Oshawa, winter can wreak havoc on your home’s plumbing system. When pipes freeze, they’re prone to bursting, which can leave you with a hefty repair bill. Call the experts at Sewer Squad Plumbing & Drain Services when inclement weather threatens your plumbing.
When you have an urgent plumbing issue, time is of the essence. Contact us for our 24-hour emergency service, which is available at no extra charge.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Frozen pipes are the main reason why pipes burst; however, there are other reasons too. When pipes burst inside the home, they can cause expensive water damage and bring on mold and mildew. Here are some of the most common reasons why pipes burst.
- Freezing Temperatures
- Moving Pipes
- Excessive Water Pressure
- Corrosion
Let’s look at each individually. Cold weather causes the water in the pipes to freeze and expand, which puts pressure on pipes causing them to weaken and eventually fail.
If pipes aren’t secured, they can move inside the walls. If you’ve ever heard the pipes clanging when water is turned on or off, it’s called a water hammer, which means the pipes move back and forth. This motion weakens the joints until they fail and cause a water leak.
Sustained excessive water pressure weakens pipes and causes them to fail. You can check your water pressure with a gauge you attach to the sink and then turn on the faucet.
Although pipes are built to last a long time — sometimes for decades — it doesn’t mean they last forever. Older pipes made with galvanized iron or steel back in the 60s and 70s are now corroding and prone to failing.
If you think your pipes are old, you might want to consider a whole house repipe.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
The best way to stop pipe bursts caused by freezing is to prevent it. Here are a few tips to protect your plumbing during the winter months.
- Turn up the heat.
- Set up fans to blow heat into cold rooms.
- Open cupboard doors to expose pipes to warm air.
- Disconnect your garden hose from the faucet.
- Keep your garage door closed.
- Beef up your home’s insulation.
- Use pipe insulation to protect vulnerable pipes.
- Call a plumber for expert prevention.
