The Cause of Burst Pipes in IN

Many people understand that pipes generally burst because they’ve frozen, and thus burst pipes are most likely when the weather is cold. But the cause of the break can be a little more complicated than water simply freezing in the pipe and expanding. Sometimes water freezes and creates a sort of plug, behind which water pressure increases until the pipe bursts.

But one way or the other, freezing is ultimately responsible for the problem and is most likely in parts of the home that are unheated. That includes the exterior, the garage, the basement, and the attic.

 

How Water Damage Restoration Works: Inspection

The first step in water mitigation is a thorough inspection from a licensed restoration contractor in Indianapolis like Five Star Complete Restoration. The expert from the water restoration company needs to identify everything that must be done to reverse the water damage and return your house to normal, and thanks to his or her training and tools is likely to spot problems you would have missed. As a part of the inspection, the professional will determine the category and class of water damage, information that aids in generating the water damage cleanup and water damage repair plan.

 

The Consequences of Burst Pipes

When there are burst pipes, water is likely to pour out and flood that portion of the house. This can result in costly water damage.

The good news, though, is that there are ways to prevent burst pipes.

 

Preventing Burst Pipes

First, check your pipes to see if there are any signs of trouble. Pay special attention to pipes that lack a consistent heat source and insulate them to keep them warm. Pipe sleeves are an inexpensive solution that, by preventing water damage, can end up saving you thousands of dollars.

Second, keep the house warm when it’s cold outside. That includes when you’re going to be away from home for days at a time. It will increase your utility bill, but you’ll still save a lot of money versus what you might spend on water damage repair. Open the cabinets under sinks regularly so that heat can reach the pipes in the bathroom and kitchen. But keep the garage door shut to keep that space and the pipes inside it warmer.

Third, if, in the course of your periodic checking, you find a pipe has frozen, you can thaw it by soaking a towel in hot water and putting it on the pipe. If you get it unfrozen, it won’t burst.

 

If You Do End Up with Burst Pipes

Sadly, even the most diligent preventive measures can’t absolutely guarantee that you won’t wind up with burst pipes. Should that happen, contact a water restoration company like 5 Star Complete Restoration as soon as possible. Rapid, professional intervention is vital to keep water damage from getting steadily worse and to restore the house to normal in as quick and inexpensive a way as possible.