Here in Olathe, homeowners are all too familiar with the dangers of pipes freezing and breaking in the cold temperatures of winter. But are you aware that pipes also break in the summer months? Pipes can burst any time of year, and when they do, water will flood quickly into your home and cause expensive, extensive damage. Taking care of your pipes all year long protects your home from flooding.
What kinds of things might cause your pipes to break during warmer months? Emergency Mitigation Services, the experts in water removal services in Olathe, KS, share common causes of bursts, the warning signs of damage, and steps for how to respond in the event of a flood.
Rust and Wear
Pipes don’t last forever. Regular wear and rusting leave your plumbing pipes vulnerable to breaks. The material your pipes are made from, their age, and how often they are used will all contribute to wear. Any sign of rust or wear needs immediate attention. Inspect your pipes regularly and never ignore rust or wear.
Hard Water
It’s probably no surprise to hear that hard water is hard on pipes. Hard water contains high levels of the minerals calcium and magnesium. These minerals aren’t harmful to people, but they do buildup in your home’s pipes. This buildup not only slows down the flow of water through your home but also causes corrosion that eats away your pipes and causes holes and leaks.
Faulty Installation:
If your pipes were poorly installed and have bad solders or weak connections, leaks and breaks can happen.
What to Look For
Now that you know the causes of pipe bursts, it’s time to become familiar with the signs of a problem. Watch for these warning signs:
- Stains. Drywall darkens and stains when it gets wet. Stained drywall is a sure sign that you’ve got a leaky pipe somewhere. These can be especially hard to find because they are often hidden behind the wall. Call a plumber if you see unexplained stains on your walls.
- Yellow or brown water. If your water is discolored, rust could be the cause.
- Low water pressure. If you’re experiencing low pressure from one faucet or fixture, that’s likely a sign that you have buildup in the pipes or a small, localized leak. If your entire home is experiencing low pressure, that could be a sign that your main water line is leaking.
How to Respond
What should you do in the event of a burst pipe? A quick response is critical; a broken pipe spews out large quantities of water very quickly. The more water, the greater the damage. Take the following steps:
- Turn off the water. If there is a local shut-off valve, use that to stop the flow of water. Otherwise, use the main shut-off valve to turn off the water to the whole house.
- Remove the water. The longer water sits, the more damage it does. Wet/dry vacs and pumps can make this process easier and faster. You can rent this equipment to get the job. In lieu of this kind of equipment, mops, buckets, and towels are the manual option.
- Get the air moving. Air circulation is essential. The more the air moves, the faster things will dry. The faster the area dries, the less extensive the damages will be.
The Takeaway
Don’t let warmer temperatures catch you off guard. Pipes can break any time of the year. That’s why Emergency Mitigation Services, a professional water cleanup company in Olathe, KS, is here 24/7, 365 days a year, to provide emergency water removal. Anytime, day or night, call us to help remove the water and get your property drying out so you can get back to normal.