A burst pipe can release large amounts of water into the home, which means significant damage such as ruined furniture and other possessions. Also, water in the home can lead to the buildup of mold and mildew. To mitigate the damage caused by a burst pipe, you must seek help as soon as possible by calling an expert plumbing company for assistance. At Charles Krull & Son, Inc. Plumbing & Heating, we’ve helped Malverne, NY residents with burst pipe repair for five generations.
If you’re sick of always running out of hot water, check out our tankless water heater services to find out if one is right for you.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
People who live in variable climates know to be mindful of frozen pipes because when water expands within the pipe, the increase in pressure often causes failure. However, what people may not know is that pipes can burst anytime, not just when it’s cold. Here are a few other reasons why pipes burst and what to watch for.
- Rust - Older pipes made from steel are prone to rust, which causes them to weaken and eventually burst.
- Hard Water - If you live in an area with water that has high mineral content, the magnesium and calcium in the water can build up within the pipes, increasing pressure, which leads to bursting.
- Poor Installation - If a contractor failed to solder a joint or connection properly, it could lead to a leak.
The Silent Threat: Corrosion and Aging Infrastructure
While freezing temperatures are often top of mind, many burst pipes in Malverne homes are the result of gradual deterioration. Over time, internal corrosion, mineral buildup, and the natural aging of plumbing materials can weaken pipes, making them susceptible to ruptures even under normal pressure. Older homes, especially those with galvanized steel or aging copper pipes, are particularly vulnerable. Regular inspections by experienced plumbers like Charles Krull & Son, Inc. can identify these silent threats before they turn into costly emergencies.
Tips to Prevent Burst Pipes
Nobody wants to deal with the headache that comes when a pipe bursts in the home, but these little disasters do happen. However, you can prevent most pipes from failing by following these few tips.
- Keep Faucets Running - When the temperature outside is at or below freezing, it’s wise to keep one or two faucets running slowly to keep the water moving and prevent freezing.
- Move Warm Air to Cold Areas - Pipes located near an outside wall or window are more prone to freezing, which is why you should direct warm air to those areas.
- Leave Cabinet Doors Open - If the kitchen sink is on an outside wall, leave the cabinet doors open to let in warm air.
- Disconnect Outside Hose Bib - Disconnect the hose from the outside faucet to guard against water from draining out of the bib and freeze.
- Use Heat Tape - Heat tape warms pipes during cold weather and is a great tool to prevent freezing.
- Call an Expert - Before winter sets in, it’s an excellent preventative measure to call a plumber to help locate potential problem pipes and offer solutions on preventing bursts.
Proactive Winterization Strategies for Malverne Homes
Protecting your pipes from the harsh Malverne winters goes beyond just insulating visible pipes. Consider disconnecting garden hoses and draining outdoor spigots, and ensuring your garage and basement are adequately heated during cold snaps. For extended absences during winter, setting your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees can prevent pipes from freezing. If you have pipes in unheated crawl spaces or attics, professional insulation or heat tracing can offer an extra layer of protection, especially during extreme temperature drops.
If your home’s pipes are over 50 years old, check out our repiping solutions to ensure your home’s protection.
How to Know You Need Main Water Line Repair
Sometimes, it’s not an individual pipe that’s causing plumbing problems in your Malverne, NY, home; it could be the main water line. Problems in the main water line spell trouble for all of the plumbing in the house. Here are signs that your plumbing issues may lie in the main water line.
- Puddles in the Yard - If you see puddles or standing water in the yard, there’s a good chance it’s a leak in the main water line that’s the culprit.
- Overly Lush Grass - Sometimes the water leaking from the main water line is absorbed by the law, which makes for areas that are thicker and lusher than others.
- A Drop in Water Pressure - If you usually have strong water flow, but notice it decreasing, it could be a blockage in the main line.
- A Rise in Water Bills - Sometimes the only way to detect a lean is by seeing an increase in your water bill.
- Cracks in the Foundation - The continuous presence of moisture around the house’s foundation can lead to significant damage as the concrete absorbs the water and cracks form.
If you notice any of the above symptoms, call us to schedule an appointment.
Emergency Indicators: When to Call for Immediate Main Line Service
While some main water line issues develop slowly, others require immediate attention to prevent significant property damage. A sudden, unexplained drop in water pressure throughout your entire home, coupled with unusually soggy spots in your yard (even during dry weather), often points to a major main line rupture. Additionally, if you hear the constant sound of running water when all fixtures are off, or if your water meter is actively running even when no water is being used inside, these are strong indicators of an emergency. Don't delay; contact us immediately for urgent assessment.
