Burst Pipe Repair

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Winter weather can trouble drivers with snow and ice, but freezing temperatures can also lead to frozen pipes and huge headaches for homeowners in Kansas City. We are here to help. This article will cover what happens when pipes freeze, what to do if your pipes are frozen, and how to keep your pipes from freezing. A burst pipe can cause major water damage, so call night or day for emergency service if you have a burst pipe in your home.

What Happens When Pipes Freeze or Burst?

If the air around your pipes is cold enough, it may cause any water in your pipes to freeze. Water expands as it freezes, putting pressure on any weak spots. Too much pressure can cause pipes to burst, which can lead to significant water damage.

The pipes most likely to freeze are usually outdoors or in unheated areas of your home.
Garden hoses left attached
Pipes in the basement, attic, a crawl space, or near an exterior wall
Pipes near gaps or cracks in your exterior walls

How to tell if your pipes are frozen

When pipes freeze, water can’t flow through them. The first sign you have a frozen pipe is a faucet with little or no water coming out. Somewhere in that pipe, the water has frozen and blocked the water flow. Another common sign you have a frozen pipe is a toilet that doesn’t refill after flushing.

What to Do When Pipes are Frozen?

First, make sure you know where your water shut-off valve is located. If your frozen pipe bursts, you want to make sure no more water flows through that pipe. Turning off your water supply until a plumber can arrive can reduce damage and save you thousands of dollars.

Next, safely thaw your pipes if they are frozen but not yet burst. The first thing to do is turn on your faucets. When the water starts flowing through them again, you will know that the pipe has thawed. Now, safely add heat to the frozen pipe to gently thaw it. There are several ways to add heat without damaging your pipes:

hairdryers, heating pads or space heaters work well for accessible pipes

Set a space heater next to a nearby vent for pipes inside your walls

How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

The best way to prevent water damage and stress from frozen pipes is to keep them from freezing in the first place. Here are some tips:

Insulate outdoor pipes or pipes located near exterior walls with inexpensive covers from the hardware store.

Better insulate your home, especially areas that aren’t heated.

Take a walk around the outside of your home and look for gaps or cracks that may let in cold air.

Let water drip slowly from a faucet near a pipe in danger of freezing.

Keep your garage door closed.

Consider a whole home generator in case of a power failure.

 

We are here to help.
If you are experiencing a burst pipe, turn off your water valve and call A.B. May immediately. We will send the first available plumber to you to assess and repair your pipes so you can get back to your regular life as soon as possible. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us at 913.383.2222.