When a pipe bursts, it can cause significant water damage in as little as 15 minutes. Whether it’s frozen pipes outside your house on a cold winter night in Tottenham or older plumbing that bursts from within, this is one plumbing problem that should be taken care of right away.
Puddles of water seeping through walls, ceilings, floors, and insulation will only result in costly repairs if not taken care of correctly. Follow these tips to minimize the damage caused by a broken pipe.
Burst Pipes Are Common In Tottenham During Winter
Burst pipes are common in homes all across Tottenham during the winter months. Freezing temperatures can put your plumbing system under stress and cause water pressure to build up.
It can cause your pipes to expand and burst open if there is not enough room for the ice to expand. Pipes can also burst for many reasons, including corrosion and age, excessive water pressure, foundation shifting, clogs, and old piping.
Common Causes Of Burst Pipes In Tottenham
Winter weather isn’t the only cause of broken pipes in Tottenham. The following are some of the reasons why your plumbing may sprout a leak.
Cold Weather
Ontario winters can do a number on your plumbing. When the water in your pipes freeze, it expands and puts pressure on your pipes. The force can cause the pipe to break or burst.
Pipes that run through areas with little to no insulation are most susceptible to freezing. Basements, crawl spaces, outdoor spaces, and older homes with aging pipes have the highest likelihood of freeze-related issues.
Deterioration
Galvanized steel and older piping are more susceptible to corrosion and breaks. Small leaks can occur over time until there is too much pressure, and the pipe bursts.
Damages
If you turn on your faucet and nothing comes out, you may have a sudden burst caused by damaged pipe joints. Additionally, changes in temperature, clogs, and water pressure can cause pipes to burst.
Turn Off Your Water
When you discover a pipe has burst in your home, the first thing you want to do is shut off your home’s main water valve. The quicker you can cut off your water supply, the easier it will be to contain flooding and water damage within your home.
Many homeowners don’t know where their shut-off valve is until a burst pipe surprises them. Shut-off valves are typically located near the water meter in the basement or utility room of most Tottenham homes. They can also often be found near where the main water line enters your home.
Once you turn off the water, go around your home opening any faucets near the source of the leak. This will help drain any remaining water in the pipes and relieve excess pressure building up inside.
Stop Flood Damage
Now that you’ve stopped the flow of water into your home, it’s time to start soaking up the water and limiting further damage. Pipe bursts can release gallons of water in a matter of minutes.
Begin soaking up standing water immediately with towels, mops, wet vacuums, fans, or dehumidifiers. Move furniture, electronics, and other valuable items away from flooded areas to prevent further damage.
If water makes contact with electrical outlets, appliances, or your home’s electrical panel, avoid touching anything electrical. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. If necessary, turn off power to affected areas of the home if you can do so safely.
Warning Signs of a Burst Pipe
Depending on where your pipes are located, you may know right away if you have a burst pipe. Others may be hidden from plain view behind walls, ceilings, or flooring. If you suspect you may have a burst pipe, check your home for the following signs:
- Water stains on walls or ceilings
- Noticeably low water pressure
- Soft, soggy drywall
- Hearing water behind walls
- Pooling water
- Frozen pipes
- Musty odors caused by hidden mold or moisture
Hidden leaks can cause serious damage to the structure of your home if left undiscovered.
3 Common Winter Plumbing Problems
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes are one of the most frequent plumbing issues during the winter season. Pipes can freeze within a couple of hours when the temperature dips below freezing if they are not properly insulated.
During the winter season, be sure that your thermostat is set so that your temperature inside your home does not drastically drop. You should also insulate any exposed pipes, cover any drafts close to pipes, and detach all outdoor hoses. Some people choose to leave their faucets dripping when temperatures are extremely cold.
Avoid Temporary Fixes
If you come across a burst pipe in your home, you may be quick to try solutions such as tape, glue, or compression to stop the leaking. While these methods can provide a temporary solution to slow the leak, they are typically not going to fix the root of the problem.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you will most likely need to have the pipes repaired by a professional or replaced. There are even some occasions where your pipes could continue to leak behind your walls.
A Professional Tottenham plumber will be able to determine if your pipes are frozen, corroded, have too much pressure, are deteriorating, or if it is a larger issue with your plumbing.
Prompt Repairs Are Important
You should never ignore a burst pipe, even if it is just a small amount of water leaking. Once a pipe bursts, water damage can occur immediately and spread.
If left unnoticed, mold can occur behind walls or underneath floors, which can cause structural damage. The longer you wait to have your pipes repaired, the more you could be looking at for repair bills.
Licensed emergency plumbers can find the broken pipes and repair or replace any of the damaged pipes. They can check for any other damage and return your normal water service.
Tips on How To Avoid Future Burst Pipes
Avoid Future Burst Pipes with Preventative Plumbing Maintenance
Having your plumbing inspected regularly can help professionals identify worn out pipes, corrosion, faulty joints, high water pressure, and insulation problems. Catching these problems early can help prevent future burst pipes in Tottenham homes. If your plumbing is older, you may want to consider preventative maintenance as well as winter plumbing inspections.
Taking care of your plumbing before winter hits can save you from costly damage and emergency plumbing repair.
Emergency Burst Pipe Repair Services in Tottenham
Dealing with a broken pipe can turn into a large emergency in a matter of minutes. Taking quick action to turn off your water, prevent further damage to your home, and calling a professional plumber can help reduce the amount of repairs needed to get your plumbing system back to normal.
Whether you are dealing with frozen pipes, old plumbing, or unforeseen leaks emergency plumbers can assist Tottenham homeowners with burst pipe repair.
Burst Pipe FAQ
What is the first thing I should do if a pipe bursts?
Turn off your home’s main water supply to prevent further flooding and water damage.
Why do pipes burst in winter?
Because water freezes, expands, and puts too much pressure on your plumbing causing them to break.
Will a broken pipe cause significant water damage?
If not taken care of, burst pipes can cause damage to your drywall, floors, insulation, furniture, and structure of your home.
How can I tell if a pipe burst behind a wall?
Look for water stains on the wall or ceiling, soft/damp drywall, musty smells, hearing water when its not on, or loss of water pressure.
Can I fix a burst pipe myself?
While there are temporary solutions to slow the leak down, you will eventually need to have a professional take care of the plumbing repair.
How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?
You can try insulating any exposed pipes, covering any openings where air drafts come through, keep consistent temperatures in your home, and make sure to disconnect any hoses outside your home.
When should I call a plumber for emergency services?
You should call a professional plumber if you notice your water is leaking, water is flooding, you have frozen pipes, or you think you may have hidden damage.