Now that the cold weather is upon us again, there are more chances that you could have a pipe burst at some point. It can happen to anyone, at any time, so we have some advice for you on what to look for, and what to do if this unfortunate instance does happen to you.
There are so many different pipes in the house and they are not in obvious places. You may find a leak in your garage ceiling for example and find when you cut open the ceiling that the pipe is leaking. Or they may be inside your walls or under your sink. You often don’t realize you have a problem until it is too late and the damage is done already.
A variety of things can cause a pipe leak such as:
Cold Temperatures: In case you don’t know, a pipe can burst if it is colder inside than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. As a precaution, when it gets really cold out, let the water drip in your faucets so that the pipes don’t freeze.
Rust: the older pipes get, the more potential there is for rust. If your house was built over 50 years ago and still has steel pipes that haven’t been updated you should also be on the lookout.
Water Pressure Increase: Anything that causes water pressure to increase can cause a pipe to burst. A safe pressure is a maximum of 60 psi. Most homes are between 30 and 50 psi and you can have your local plumber come out to check and make sure your water pressure is where it should be.
If you do have a pipe issue, please be sure to do the following:
- Turn off the water
- Open faucets to relieve pressure
- Call a professional plumber
- Call your insurance agent
Here at John Scott Insurance Agency, we are here for you. Reach out to us anytime you need us and we are happy to review your policy, assist with a claim, or just provide advice if needed.