How Cold Weather and Burst Pipes Can Impact Your Home.

When the winter season is at its peak, the problem of freezing of water pipes in our homes becomes very common. Due to cold, the water stored in the pipes turns into ice and this causes cracks in the pipes. This problem not only affects our daily life, but can also damage the structure of the house. This problem becomes even more serious in extreme cold. This problem is especially seen more in old buildings. Therefore, it is very important to take precautions in time.

When the temperature goes below zero, the water present in the pipe freezes and turns into ice. In the process of ice formation, the volume of water increases, which puts pressure on the pipe. This pressure can be so high that the pipe cracks or bursts. In such a situation, water leakage starts in the house. The leakage of water gradually increases and the damage increases. Sometimes this problem becomes so serious that the entire house gets filled with water. Immediate action should be taken to avoid this.

Leakage of water in the house causes moisture in the walls and water accumulates on the floor. This can cause problems of fungus and dampness on the walls of the house. Also, furniture and household items can get damaged. Therefore, it is very important to know how to take care of pipes in cold weather. Dampness also increases the risk of spreading diseases in the house. Children and the elderly can suffer from respiratory diseases. Therefore, this problem should not be taken lightly.

Causes of water freezing in the pipe

The problem of water freezing in the pipeline of the house becomes common in very cold weather. When the outside temperature remains continuously below zero, then the water present in the pipe starts freezing slowly. In this situation, a layer of ice forms inside the pipe. This layer becomes thicker over time. The flow of water in the pipe decreases. Sometimes the flow of water stops completely.

One of the main reasons for water freezing in the pipe is the pipe outside the house not being properly insulated. When the pipe is not covered with warm cloth or insulation, the water present in it freezes quickly due to direct contact with cold air. This problem is especially seen in pipes which are located near the outer walls of the house. This problem is more serious in old houses. Because insulation was not taken care of in old houses. Therefore, special care is needed in old houses.

When the temperature drops even more at night, the chances of water freezing in the pipe increases. At this time, the process of freezing also accelerates due to the reduced flow of water in the pipe. If the water is already flowing slowly in the pipe, then this situation can become even more serious. The temperature inside the house also decreases at night. The pipes become even colder due to the heater being turned off. Therefore, special care should be taken at night.

The problem of water freezing is more in old and rusty pipes. The walls of these pipes are weak and small cracks may already be present in them. When water freezes in them, these cracks get bigger and the risk of pipe bursting increases. Rusting of old pipes weakens their walls even more. Rusty pipes can also develop holes. This leads to water leakage.

Damage caused by pipe bursting

When a pipe bursts due to cold, it can cause many types of damage to the house. The water coming out of the pipe wets the walls and floor. This causes moisture in the walls of the house and reduces their strength. The color of the walls gets spoiled due to moisture. The smell of dampness starts coming in the rooms. People have difficulty in breathing.

Continuous leakage of water from a burst pipe also affects the electrical wiring of the house. Coming in contact with water increases the risk of short circuit. This cannot only damage electrical equipment, but there is also a risk of fire. There is also a risk of electric shock. Children can get seriously injured due to this. Therefore, electricity should be repaired immediately.

Water spread in the house also damages furniture and carpet. Wooden furniture absorbs water and rots in it. Due to moisture in the carpet, it starts smelling bad and fungus can also grow. This spoils the atmosphere of the house. Insects can start appearing in the furniture. Furniture can break due to wood rotting. Carpets get stained.

Accumulation of water leads to peeling of paint on the walls of the house and the plaster gets damaged. If this situation persists for a long time, cracks can also appear in the walls. This not only spoils the beauty of the house, but also requires money for its repair. The strength of the walls decreases. Water starts leaking in the rain. The room remains damp.

Protective measures

Some important measures should be taken to keep the pipes safe during the winter season. First, all the pipes outside the house should be well insulated. This will prevent the pipes from coming in direct contact with cold air and the risk of water freezing in them will be reduced. Special covers are available for insulation. They cost a little more but they last for a long time. Pipes can also be covered with warm clothes.

At night or when there is no one in the house, the tap should be left slightly open. The water will not freeze due to the continuous flow of water. Keep in mind that the stream of water should be very thin, just a dripping sound should be there. This will not waste water and the pipes will also remain safe. Keep the water tank covered. You can get a thermostat installed in the tank. This will keep the water warm and it will not freeze.

The temperature inside the house should also be controlled. Keep the room temperature at least 15 degrees Celsius with the help of a heater. This will reduce the risk of water freezing in the pipes inside the house. Keep the heater on even at night, even if at a low temperature. Use a thermostat that controls the temperature. You can also get a timer installed to save electricity. Keep the heater near the pipe.

Old and damaged pipes should be replaced on time. While installing new pipes, choose good quality pipes. Use insulated pipes which remain safe even in cold. Keep checking the pipes regularly and solve minor problems immediately. Get the pipes checked by a plumber twice a year. Take care of the pipes even in summer. Get them repaired immediately if there is a leak.

It is very important to take precautions to protect pipes in cold weather. By taking the right steps at the right time, we can avoid the problem of pipe bursting. This will not only protect the house from damage, but will also stop the wastage of water. Regular checks will keep the pipes working well for a long time. Remember, a little caution can prevent major damage. Make all the preparations before winter. Inform children about this as well. Discuss this topic with neighbors as well.