A breach in the pipes or water mains in a house is a serious inconvenience. It not only leaves you without running water and potable drinking water, it may damage your home through flooding once water leaks out through the burst pipes. Water main repair is an extensive job that is both time consuming and costly. Contrary to popular belief you really don’t have to live in a very cold climate to experience pipes freezing over during the winter. A rapid fall in the mercury can suddenly freeze out the pipes. Bad insulation, thermostats kept at moderate temperatures can contribute to pipe bursts and other damage.
Some reasons why pipes burst and you may need water main repair:
- If the pipes are made of cast iron, they are more susceptible to breaches and damages
- Excavation around the area or a prior break in the pipes or nearby construction activity can make the pipes vulnerable to breaks
- Older pipes may have suffered corrosion over time, their linings are weaker and susceptible to breaches, intrusions and clogs
- The narrower the diameter of the pipe the more the chance of rupture
- New age technology extends the life of pipes, some older pipes may just break under wear and tear
Another reason why pipes freeze over during the winter is that the residents leave on holiday. If you are taking a winter vacation, there are a few steps you should take to ensure you come home to a house that is not flooded.
- Do not set the thermostat below 55 degrees in your house.
- Request your neighbor to check in and keep the house at a reasonable temperature.
- Shut off the water mains and drain the water from the pipes. The downside to this step is that you may deactivate a fire protection water sprinkler system, if you have one installed.
You come home and realize the worst has happened and your pipes have frozen through. Instead of panicking call the plumber immediately to find if the pipes have broken at any point and you need water main repair. Do not use any electrical appliance if you are standing in water. Some people try to thaw out the pipes with hand held hair dryers – you may electrocute yourself standing in water! Never use a blow torch or open flame to thaw pipes, you might burn down your house. The best thing to do is to shut down the valve to the water mains and call the plumber for water main repair. Fairfax, VA residents can find plumbers in the local directory who are trained to deal with frozen pipes.
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