Frozen pipes can cause catastrophic damage to your home if left unattended and unrepaired, so unless you love the idea of water damage remediation, prompt plumbing repair is critical. At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we know our central Wisconsin winter weather can be hazardous for your home’s plumbing. That said, we also know that with prompt attention, the majority of winter plumbing problems can be easily resolved. If you believe your pipes are leaking as a result of freezing weather, clogs, or age-related deterioration, immediate, professional attention to the matter could save you thousands of dollars in home repairs. Here’s why:
Water Expansion Leads to Burst Pipes
If you suspect a leaking pipe in the dead of winter, immediate plumbing inspection and repair can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run. In winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your pipes can freeze into a solid mass if the pipes are not properly insulated. As that water freezes, it expands, so if the integrity of the pipe is compromised by a small leak, it’s chances of bursting skyrocket. Here’s what you should do if you locate a wintertime pipe leak:
● Turn off the water supply to prevent additional water from entering the pipe and creating more internal pressure.
● If you can access the leak, try clamping rubber sheeting against it to prevent water from escaping the pipe.
● If you have access to plumbing repair tape, wrap it around the leak to create a temporary seal.
● Contact a plumbing repair professional at your earliest convenience. Temporary fixes only last so long, and your home is still at risk for water damage until you have the pipe repaired properly.
DIY Repairs Often Fail
You’ll find a wide variety of suggestions online about how you can mitigate pipe leaks on your own using DIY materials, but in 99% of instances, quick-fix plumbing repairs don’t last. If you think you’re getting by on the cheap by clamping the pipe or attempting to seal it yourself, think again. DIY pipe repairs might save you money initially, but in the long run, they’re almost always more expensive than hiring a professional. When the pipe leak eventually grows worse, or the entire pipe bursts, you’ll not only be paying for professional plumbing repairs, but also for water damage restoration.
Mold Growth & Health Problems
Mold and mildew usually make an appearance wherever moisture and darkness exist. So, if your leaking pipes are in the lowest level of your home, the environment is likely the perfect place for spores to proliferate. If your pipes continue leaking, that moisture can drive significant mold growth that can be very detrimental to you and your family’s health and well-being.
Unfortunately, mold remediation is a lengthy, involved process, and in severe cases, it involves expensive reconstruction of certain components of your home. To avoid a growing mold problem, if you suspect a pipe leak, contact a plumbing repair professional immediately.
Got Leaky Pipes? Trust Your Plumbing Repairs to Steve’s Plumbing & Heating
At Steve’s Plumbing & Heating, we’ve been serving central Wisconsin homeowners for over 25 years, and we’re proud to claim the best service and guarantees in the business. Whether you need emergency plumbing repair or you have a minor pipe leak that requires attention, we’re here for you, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more about our plumbing services or any of the many home services we offer, contact our team today, or feel free to request your free estimate online.