How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Burst pipes are one of the most common and costly water losses. Here is how to protect your plumbing in winter and year-round.

Protecting Your Plumbing from Bursting

A burst pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a matter of hours. While DryForceTeam is always here to clean up the mess, we would rather help you prevent the disaster in the first place.

Winterizing Your Pipes

The vast majority of burst pipes occur due to freezing temperatures. When water freezes, it expands, putting immense pressure on the pipe until it ruptures.

• Insulate: Wrap exposed pipes in unheated areas (basements, attics, garages) with foam insulation sleeves.
• Drip Faucets: When a hard freeze is forecasted, let cold water drip slightly from faucets served by exposed pipes. This keeps water moving.
• Keep Heat On: Never turn your heat completely off during winter vacations. Keep it set to at least 55°F.

Year-Round Prevention

• Check Water Pressure: High water pressure puts constant stress on joints and valves. Consider installing a pressure reducing valve if yours is too high.
• Replace Old Hoses: The rubber hoses on washing machines degrade over time. Replace them with braided stainless steel lines.

If a pipe does burst, turn off your main water valve and call DryForceTeam for rapid mitigation.