Fixing broken pipes can
be a real problem, especially where frozen pipes are concerned because water
will be everywhere, sometimes long before the problem is spotted. There may be
times you can do a quick DIY repair, but sometimes it is trickier than you can
imagine based on the location of the burst pipe and also the type of pipe in
question. Fixing a metal pipe is different from fixing a rigid plastic pipe and
unless you are proficient in solvent welding, plastic pipes might even be more
difficult for you to work with. Then, once all is said and done, there is a
need to begin a water damage
repair assessment.
Image:uk.pinterest.com
|
Why Pipes Burst When Frozen
Today's society is
highly mobile and people move about the country more often than ever before in
the past. When moving from warmer climates like Tampa, FL to the frigid north,
many don't understand how to prevent those pipes from freezing. If you haven't
left your water running, you are in danger of having your pipes burst. When
water freezes it expands and any water left in the pipes will expand and quite
often burst unbeknownst to you. It might seem perfectly obvious to most people
who are familiar with just how quickly pipes can freeze because they were born
and raised in the north, but for those new to colder climates, nothing ever
prepared them for this type of event.
The Location of the Pipe Impacts Water Damage Repair
The first thing you
should do is either fix the pipe yourself or call a plumber to mend the pipe or
pipes that froze up. Unfortunately, many times this is the least of your
worries. Once the pipes have been repaired you'll need to assess how much
damage has been done to the building as a result and if there is any structural
damage as well. Quite often water will seep deep down into the foundation
causing mold and mildew which may be almost impossible to correct unless
professional measures are taken. If the water isn't noticed or found soon
enough the wood supporting and framing, the foundation could rot away.
Repairing water damage isn't always just a matter of cosmetics. Taking a rug
out that was ruined from a frozen pipe bursting is a whole lot different than
tearing out a wall and replacing boards behind the walls.
You have probably heard
the old saying that "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure." This is what you're up against when preparing for the cold winter
months. Learn ways to prevent pipes from bursting, but if you are already
confronted with this problem, it is best to get a professional on the job to
ensure that no structural damage has occurred. If it has, acting quickly could
save you many thousands of dollars.
No comments:
Post a Comment