Exposed or poorly insulated pipes in basements, garages and crawl spaces are at risk of freezing and bursting when outdoor temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which happens regularly in Boston.
Busted pipes are not only a headache to clean up but can quickly become a significant expense to repair. The resulting water damage is also the ideal condition for mold and mildew growth, which is costly to clean and poses a significant health risk.
Know the Warning Signs
Unfortunately, not all broken pipes immediately spray water in every direction. There are many pipes throughout your home that you would only know they were broken after experiencing severe water damage.
Here are some warning signs that might indicate a burst pipe in your home.
Reduced Water Pressure
A leak in your plumbing system may result in a sudden reduction in the water pressure when flushing the toilet or the water coming out of your faucets and showers. The sudden pressure drop could be caused by a leak or break in a water pipe. You will need expert help; call Plumbers 911 Boston to connect with a contractor who can fix this issue.
Discolored Water
Problems with the main water line leading into your home can cause your tap water to change from clear to shades of brown. This discoloration might mean a pipe has burst underground, requiring immediate attention again; a Plumbers 911 Boston contractor is professionally trained to help.
It’s Leaking Again
You mop up one puddle, and then a few hours or days later, it returns to the same place. It’s not Déjà vu, but it usually means a broken or burst pipe is causing a water leak. Water will continue leaking from a broken pipe and likely get worse.
Strange Noises
If you notice gurgling, hissing, banging or rattling, your house may be haunted, or you could have a broken water pipe. If your pipes start making noise, there is a reason, which could be a warning that they are about to burst. Get a hold of a professional contractor to get ahead of this issue.
Higher Than Normal Water Bills
A higher water bill in the summer when you’ve been watering your lawn, gardening or filling up the pool is typical. On the other hand, if you recently received a higher-than-normal water bill and haven’t changed your water usage, a leaking pipe could be to blame. Call a Plumbers 911 Boston tech to schedule and inspection before it gets worse.
Avoiding pipe bursts in the winter requires taking precautions against freezing. You should call a licensed Plumbers 911 Boston contractor if you experience any problems listed above.
The Licensed Plumbing contractors affiliated with Plumbers 911 Boston employ professionals who have all been through extensive training, a thorough screening process and a drug test. Give Plumbers 911 Boston a call to arrange a visit from a reliable, licensed plumber.