When water flows to the wrong place at the wrong time – as it would from a cracked or leaking pipe – it can cause extensive damage to your home and personal belongings. Even a slow drip behind a bathroom or kitchen cabinet can cause sheetrock and wood floors to rot while eventually making its way to the level below.

And since damaged water pipes come in all shapes and sizes, it’s important to understand what can cause a pipe to crack or burst and what measures you, as a homeowner, can take to prevent that from happening.

1. Frozen Pipes
   An un-insulated pipe that is exposed to below freezing temperatures can freeze, burst, and instantly start gushing water. That can happen in your garage, a crawl space, or in any other unheated space. To prevent pipes from freezing, disconnect outdoor hoses and drain the faucets. Shut off and drain your irrigation system for the winter. And make sure all pipes located in unheated spaces are insulated.

2. Leaky Pipes
   Minor pinholes in your water pipes can’t fix themselves, but they can grow and become even more problematic. It’s okay to tape it up as a short-term measure, but don’t way too long before implementing a more permanent solution, even if all or a portion of water pipe needs to be replaced.

3. Unattended Drain Clogs
   If a clogged drain is left to sit, it can cause water pressure to increase in that same pipe. Over time, the added pressure can cause the pipe to crack.

4. Corroded Pipes
   The older a home and it’s plumbing, the more prone metal pipes become to internal corrosion. Constant exposure to soil, water, and temperature fluctuations can do a number on them, so you’ll want to baby them as much as possible for added years of service. Start by switching from chemical to green drain cleaning liquids.

At Boden Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we offer professional pipe repair and replacement services. Same goes for water pipe insulation, sewer and drain cleaning, and any other home plumbing need you might have. We do the job right the first time, and we guarantee your 100% satisfaction. Contact us today for service, and put our experience to work for you.