Burst Pipe? Don’t Panic! Here’s What to Do.
If you’re a Chicagoan, you know that the winters can be pretty brutal. With all the snow and ice, it is no surprise that we tend to see a house or two with a pipe burst and leak.
In this blog post, we’ll cover the causes of a burst pipe. We explain why they happen and share a story about the job we did in Edgewater during a particularly cold winter!
What Happens if a Pipe Bursts?
Burst pipes happen for a few reasons. So, it helps to be able to identify why you might be having these plumbing issues.
Pipe leaks can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to be able to recognize if you are you experience one.
Exploding pipes can leak and cause a flood in your home. So keep an eye out for unexpected water marks, bubbling paint, or wet drywalls and carpets.
If you have any questions about the plumbing and pipe repair process, don’t hesitate to contact us at (773) 779-8848. We’re always happy to give free estimates!
Why Do Pipes Burst?
Burst pipes are caused by a few things. Six miles north of downtown, our Edgewater neighbors report valves that leak due to pipe bursts. Home owners find it helpful to understand why they might be having these issues. Most pipes burst for the following reasons…
Poor Insulation
When the forecast is predicted to be below freezing and there is wind present, poor insulation can cause water freezes in your plumbing system. It is important to have a system that allows for proper insulation of your house pipes. If your drain pipes aren’t properly insulated, they’re more likely to freeze and burst.
Temperature Change
Frozen waters can expand volume by 9%. So, a sudden drop in temperature can cause the water in your pipes to freeze. When the City of Chicago gets cold, it can lead to a pipe burst.
Blocked Pipes
Your pipes can rupture if they have a clog or a block full of food or scraps. This is because the water has nowhere to go. This water blockage puts a lot of pressure on the pipes.
Water Pressure Increase
Faucet and toilet pipes can rupture when there is an increase in water flow. Old or weak pipes cannot hold too much water pressure. If the lake water from the city increases in water pressure, your pipes could break.
A burst pipe can be a real pain, but Rescue Plumbing can save you!
If you think you might have a burst pipe in a Chicago neighborhood, don’t hesitate to call a professional plumber like us. We’re here to help at (773) 799-8848!
How To Know If You Have A Broken Pipe In Your Home
There are a few signs that you might have a pipe burst in your Edgewater home.
If you start to notice water damage on your walls or ceilings, you might have a burst pipe. Water damage on a wall or a leaky valve is usually a sign pipe burst.
Another sign of a broken pipe is a sudden drop in water pressure. If you notice your sink faucet has low water pressure, it could be because of a pipe burst.
If your drain pipes are making noises, you could have a broken pipe.
Water smells can be created when water mixes with drywall and behind the walls and building materials. Unusual water smells can be a sign of a leak.
The last thing to watch out for is a high water bill. If you receive high water bills, it could be because of a pipe burst leaking within your walls or crawlspace.
However, in other cases, you may need to call your Edgewater neighborhood plumbers at Rescue Plumbing at (773) 799-8848. We can help you get hot water running through your home again!
How to Prevent Burst Pipes
To avoid pipe breakage, there are a few simple tricks that can help prevent further damage to your pipes.
To keep your pipes from freezing, it is important to insulate them. Insulating your pipes with rubber or foam can prevent any water damage from water leaks.
Furthermore, it is important to keep your thermostat at higher heat. If there’s a sudden drop in temperature, it gets windy, and it could cause your pipes to freeze and then burst.
In the cold months, make sure to blow heat into cold rooms that have exposed pipes. Leave the doors open of cabinets or closets to allow heat to circulate around any pipes.
You should try to understand the basics of your plumbing system. In the event of a pipe burst, you should know where your main water shut-off valve is. This way, you’ll be able to quickly turn off your water.
There are a couple of places to look if you are having trouble looking for your water shut-off valve. Be sure to check near the water heater, crawl spaces, or inside closets.
What To Do When You Have Pipes Burst
If you find a burst or broken pipe, the first thing you should do is turn off your water. Then, you’ll want to call a plumber to come and fix the problem. Burst pipes can cause a lot of damage, so it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible.
If you think you might have a burst pipe, it’s important to act fast. Burst pipes can cause a lot of damage, so the sooner you can get them fixed, the better.
Here are a few things you can do:
- Turn off the water: This will help to minimize the damage.
- Call a plumber: Burst pipes are not a DIY job. You’ll need to call a professional plumber to come and fix the problem.
- Turn off the faucets: This will help to relieve some of the pressure on the pipes.
- Open cabinets: If you have exposed pipes in your kitchen or bathroom, open up the cabinets to let the warm air in. This will help to prevent the pipes from freezing again.
- Repair sleeve: As a temporary fix, slip a rubber repair sleeve over the corrosion or leak. Only use this method if you need to use the water in your home before a plumber arrives.
Burst pipes can be a nightmare but if you know what to do, they don’t have to be. Just remember to turn off your water, call a plumber and stay calm. We’re here to help so if you need us, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (773) 799-8848.
Pipe Bursts In Edgewater Chicago
This job was completed in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, near the Broadway antique market.
Late at night on a cold Chicago weekend, a client had all their pipes burst. These bursts always tend to happen at the worst times.
We had to open walls to access the pipes. Using a pipe cutter and other tools from professional hardware stores, we got to work.
While there were several burst pipes at this location, we were able to repair all the bursts that evening. Having cleaned up water damage to prevent mold, our plumbers successfully saved this family. Our customers were able to take a hot shower that evening!
FAQs
Let Us Rescue Your Burst Pipe!
Burst pipes are never fun for our Chicago neighbors, but we’re here to help! If you have a burst pipe, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (773) 799-8848. When it comes to plumbing emergencies, Rescue Plumbing is here to save the day!
Catherine Galvan
Catherine Galvan is a summer intern at Rescue Marketing. She is excited to be able to write and publish work for Rescue Plumbing. She hopes you enjoy reading the blogs as much as she enjoyed writing them!
