Recently, Texas suffered one of the most severe winter storms in its history. For a state that usually does not deal with freezing weather, this came as a shock to individuals, families, and small business owners all over the state. Furthermore, many residents in the state of Texas are going without basic utilities including gas, electricity, and running water. When temperatures drop this low, Texas homeowners need to make sure that their pipes do not burst. What are some of the most important points that homeowners should keep in mind?
The Potential Consequences of a Burst Pipe
When water freezes, it expands. When water is trapped in an enclosed space, such as a pipe, this freezing expansion could rupture the pipe. Then, when the water melts, it spills into the home, leading to a flood. There are severe consequences of a burst pipe, which include:
- A ruptured pipe can flood the home, destroying everything inside it
- Water damage can also harm the floors, causing them to warp
- A burst pipe can also damage the ceilings and walls
- A burst pipe can lead to a flurry of repair and replacement expenses
For all of these reasons, it is better to prevent a burst pipe from taking place than to clean up after it has already happened.
Texas Is More Susceptible To Ruptured Pipes
The state of Texas is more susceptible to bursting pipes and water lines because these utilities were not constructed with cold weather in mind. As residents have already experienced, winter weather of this severity does not often happen in Texas. Therefore, without proper construction patterns, insulation, and preventative measures, water lines and pipes in Texas are more likely to burst in response to cold weather than they are in the North.
In general, homeowners should prepare for their pipes to freeze when the outside temperature drops to 20 degrees Fahrenheit; however, this depends on the location of the pipes in the home, any insulation surrounding the pipes, and the type of material used to construct them.
The Top Tips for Preventing Pipes and Water Lines from Bursting
It is critical for homeowners to take a few steps to prevent their pipes and water lines from freezing. For outdoor faucets and hoses, it is important to disconnect the hose. Then, drain it completely to prevent water from freezing inside it. If the outdoor faucet is not going to be used for a while, shut off the valve and prevent water from flowing through it. Then, insulate The outdoor faucet by wrapping a towel, cloth, or extra piece of clothing around it.
Then, it is important to move inside and focus on indoor pipes and water lines as well. The pipes and water lines that are most at risk of freezing are those that run through unheated interior spaces. This includes the garage, the attic, and the basement. Furthermore, pipes that run along the exterior of the home are also at risk of freezing.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent indoor pipes and water lines from freezing. Some of the most important tips include:
- Try to set the thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit even if no one is going to be home.
- Drip the faucets slightly to keep water flowing through the pipes, which will make it harder to freeze.
- Open cabinets to encourage heat in the home to circulate closer to the walls, floors, and ceilings, providing a bit of extra heat to the pipes and water lines.
Following these simple tips can go a long way toward preventing pipes and water lines in the home from freezing.
Identifying a Burst Pipe in the Foundation of the Home
Of course, there is flooding taking place in the home, particularly in the basement, there is probably a ruptured pipe somewhere in the foundation. Some of the other signs that could appear include:
- There is a lack of water flow from the sinks and faucets in the home.
- The water appears to be sputtering in the home.
- There is dirty water flowing throughout the home.
- There is an unusual odor emanating throughout the building.
These are all significant clues that there could be a burst pipe present in the foundation.
Respond Quickly To a Burst Pipe
If there is a burst pipe present in the home, water damage can build up quickly. The first thing homeowners need to do is shut off all water to the home to stop the flood.
Then, it is important to reach out to a trained plumbing professional for assistance on getting it fixed.
If you have experienced a burst pipe in Kingwood, TX, Humble, TX, or Atascocita, TX, then reach out to Maid Zen cleaning service today! We would be honored to assist you, so contact us for help!
