Wintertime Is Hard On Plumbing Systems - Let's Look Into It

A chilled water pipe can be inconvenient, but a burst water pipe could be a bad dream

. Slumped ceilings, flooding, devastated furniture, damaged electronic hardware, and a property that's uninhabitable, are only some of the implications of a burst water pipe ; results that are intensely dear and therefore the house owner wants to avoid at any cost.

For this reason, the homeowner should take the utmost care to prevent this water disaster from happening-by taking the necessary steps to keep water pipes from freezing in the first place and by thawing frozen water pipes immediately upon discovery. If, however, despite a homeowner's best efforts, a frozen water pipe bursts, it is imperative to contact a licensed plumber immediately and that he make the necessary repairs. While waiting for the plumber's arrival, however, making the following temporary, emergency repairs can reduce the severity of the damage to one's home, and the corresponding costs of repair, significantly:

Turn off water to stop it from entering the damaged pipe. If possible, turn off water at a local supply valve. Otherwise, turn off the main water supply to your home. In a house, the main stop valve is commonly (but not always) located under the kitchen sink. In an apartment with a shared water supply, the main stop valve is usually located in the place where the water supply enters the building. Note: In addition to taking those measures necessary to keep pipes from freezing in the first place, it is important that the homeowner determines exactly how to turn off the main water supply in the unfortunate event that a frozen pipe does burst and a local supply valve can not be located.

If there's any possibility of water coming into contact with electric wiring, the home's electricity supply should be turned off instantly. Cut back the pressure in the damaged water pipe by opening the attached tap. Try and sense the section of the water pipe which has ruptured. To gather leaking water, place a bucket under the damaged portion of the water pipe.

If you are fortunate enough to have purchased a repair clamp set, put one of the rubber sleeves in the kit over the rupture, place the metal repair clamps over the rubber sleeve, and screw the clamps together. If, however, you do not have a repair clamp set, do not despair. Simply cut a portion of a garden hose (more than enough to cover the ruptured area) and cut it down the middle, splitting it open. Then place the hose over the area of the pipe that has ruptured and secure it with a pipe clamp or something similar, making sure that the clamp is tight around the hose.

Check whether the "patch" is working by turning on the water supply. Watch the "patch" closely to be sure the leak doesn't worsen till more permanent repairs can be taken.

Remember, however, that such repairs are of a temporary, emergency nature, aimed to control damage. Such measures, however, should never be deemed a substitute for the work of a licensed plumber. Upon arrival, the plumber will replace the damaged section of the water pipe with a new pipe and/or make other necessary repairs.

by: John Lancaster

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