cold weather can wreak havoc on your homes plumbing
The dreadful days of winter weather have arrived, bringing with it cold and freezing temperatures. These severe weather conditions can be extremely challending for your homes plumbing system. Older plumbing is likely to experience corrosion and this could lead to a broken or burst pipe in your home.
In responding to broken pipes here are some steps you can follow isolate water from damaging anymore of your home. Make sure the main water supply is shut off with the main stop tap. This area is normally where the main service pipe connects to the home or under the kitchen sink. Let all the pipes drain out of water by turning on the cold taps. Next turn off the water heating system and run the hot water tap to help drain the water supply. Flushing toilets also can help in clearing out the rest of the water in the piping. Once this is done the leaking should stop if there is no more running through the taps. Remember to turn off the homes main electrical and to never touch anything electrical if it’s wet as this may result in serious injury. Trying to locate the exact location of the break is important so you know what piping has to be repaired. If it a tiny crack a patch may fix the problem for a short while. If it is the main water pipe it should be repaired regardless of how badly it is damaged. Also check your home to see if pipes in walls or ceilings are leaking. Take notice to bulges or water spots in the ceiling. This is an indication that there is a leaking or broken pipe. Be careful when being around these areas with the chances of the ceiling collapsing. It is a good idea to contact a professional disaster clean up company to have your home properly cleaned and dried. A professional plumper can make sure broken or cracked pipes are properly fixed. If electrical wiring is damaged contact an electrician. Also contact your insurance agency to file an insurance claim. You insurance agent will assist you in carry out what steps to take in your policy. In addition to contacting your insurance company make record of the incident by taking photos or videos for filing the claim.
Michigan homes generally will have copper or galvanized plumbing. With either piping they are vulnerable to different elements. If temperature fall below freezing there is a chance pipes could crack or burst. Metal piping is more likely to rust or corrode over time and if your property is using well water with a salt filter, you can have additional challenges. Be careful if you are doing construction in your home not to damage piping and if it happens have it repaired as soon as possible so no further damage occurs. High water pressure can lead into pipes breaking make certain water pressure is normal. Having piping construction done properly and good quality pipes can greater your chances of not having to deal with bursting pipes.
