The Essential Burst Pipe Guide For Dallas Homeowners

Water will ruin everything in your home if it has a chance to do so. Residential and commercial properties in Dallas rely on their plumbing to prevent problems caused by gallons of water spraying everywhere, and usually, that's enough. Unfortunately, recent weather events have reminded us that disaster can strike at any time, for any reason. Freezing weather is a common culprit of plumbing issues, especially in systems that aren't well-maintained and insulated.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Dallas was there when pipes burst across the city, and our experience helping homeowners and business owners across Dallas helped us understand one area where some property owners might need a little extra information to protect themselves during future frigid fluxes. We distilled years of experience and industry knowledge from our expert technicians down to the bare essentials for what people in Dallas need to know about burst pipes on their property, including what causes them, common signs that you have a problem, and what to do when your pipes burst.

Is a Burst Pipe an Emergency?

Water lines are not to be trifled with. Water pipe bursts might be one of the common plumbing issues in Dallas, but they are still a serious issue that needs to be resolved as soon as possible. Property damage is the most obvious concern since any flow of water where it's not supposed to be will ruin everything from rugs to foundations, but there are additional secondary concerns you need to consider as well. If buckets of water are flowing into your home and coming into contact with electrical fixtures, there is a serious risk of shock for anyone in that area. Additionally, if the liquid coming from a burst pipe is foul-smelling water, you also have a risk of serious illness from the bacteria and other sources of contamination spilling into your home.

What to Do if You Have A Burst Pipe

Busted water pipes can develop at any time, so it pays to have an established action plan to minimize issues and avoid more severe water damage. Create a plan with the other members of your home, and confirm everyone's responsibilities so that you never have to worry about what to do in an emergency. If you need help with creating a strategy, simply use the following step-by-step instructions.

1. Close your water valve. (You need to shut off your electricity as well if the leak is in an area where shock could occur—be wary of appliances and electronics that are plugged in, like hair dryers in your bathroom.)
2. Open a faucet to release excess water pressure.
3. Call your local, licensed plumbers for burst pipe repair service.
4. Clear any serious flooding before your plumber arrives. (If the situation is extreme, you may need to contact a cleaning company before calling a plumber.)
5. Clean the damage after your burst pipe repair is complete. Water damage restoration is an important process with several steps. It's often best to contact professional restoration crews for property repairs at this stage.

Make sure you document all important stages of this process with pictures and notes so that you'll be ready to deal with insurance companies and their requirements for claims.

Signs of Broken Pipes

Not all pipe water damage is obvious. You'll probably notice right away if you have a substantial failure or frozen pipes, but minor issues like leaky pipes sometimes stay hidden for longer periods, slowly increasing their impact and their costs. Luckily, buildings give you warning signs for common pipe problems. You should always pay attention to the signs your plumbing sends you and request help from licensed plumbers if you notice any warning signs.

Burst Warning Signs

• Pressure Changes / Low Flow
• Frequent Clogs
• Moisture Marks on Walls and Ceilings
• Standing Puddles near Fixtures
• Discoloration & Foul Odors
• Unusual Sounds During Plumbing Use
• Increased Water Bills

Many people share the common misconception that gurgling is a normal sound for plumbing systems to make. In fact, gurgling and other unusual noises can be a serious cause for concern. If you notice any odd changes with your plumbing, it never hurts to contact your expert plumbers for advice and inspections.

Why Do Pipes Burst?

The probable cause for one of Dallas' most notable recent strings of bursts was freezing temperatures, but there is more than one reason why plumbing systems fail. We may not experience another storm like that for a while, but you should still know the other causes so that you can avoid busted pipes in the future.

Common Reasons for Bursts

Low Temperatures:

Lines begin to freeze when temperatures get as low as 20° F. When liquids freeze, they increase in volume, which puts pressure on lines and creates bursts. Proper insulation on all your plumbing is the best way to prevent freezing, but another way to avoid freezing is to keep a small amount of water running by slightly opening faucets.

Although 20 degrees is the danger zone, you should avoid letting your home get below 55° F to avoid any problems. You can also open cupboards and cabinets during cold snaps to improve warm air flow around plumbing systems.

Water Hammer

This term refers to pipes that aren't properly secured, and clang around inside of walls and floors during use. Continued movement weakens joints. If a connection fails, pressurized water will be able to blast out and cause serious destruction.

Poor Pressure

A sudden increase in flow or pressure puts intense stress on plumbing systems that often result in fixture failures and big bursts. The pressure in most Dallas homes is between 30-50 psi and it should never exceed 60. It's possible to check your pressure by attaching a gauge to your sink spout and opening the faucet.

Corrosion

Your plumbing can be damaged and weakened by corrosion over time. The most common reason is a poor pH balance from hard water in supply lines made of galvanized iron. This is a slow issue that builds over time. Dallas' water is considered moderately hard, so it's a good idea to get regular maintenance and inspections if your plumbing utilizes galvanized iron lines. Minor services help you avoid major costs.

Do You Need A Plumber in Dallas?

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Dallas is available anytime that you need us, with convenient appointments and 24/7 emergency services. For immediate repairs or if you would like to ask some questions, call us or request an appointment online.