How To Prevent Burst Pipes In an Empty Home

Burst pipes can send any homeowner into a frantic search for “plumbers near me.”

And while burst pipes are commonly associated with freezing temperatures, they can also happen in warmer weather climates. While only the most northern parts of the Sunshine State get temperatures below freezing with any regularity, the fact that burst pipes can happen anywhere means that even Florida homeowners should understand how to prevent burst pipes.

What Usually Causes Burst Pipes?

Burst pipes can occur across the country, and the causes can be quite varied.

One of the most common reasons, especially in colder climates, is freezing. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can exert pressure from within the pipe, leading to a rupture. Homes in regions with harsh winters are particularly susceptible to such occurrences, especially if the pipes are not adequately insulated or heated.

However, learning how to prevent pipes from freezing is not enough, since other factors can also lead to burst pipes. For instance, corrosion is another culprit. Over time, pipes can corrode and weaken, making them susceptible to bursting. This is often observed in older homes where the plumbing system might not have been updated or replaced for several decades.

Another potential cause of burst pipes is high water pressure. If the water pressure in your pipes is too high, it can put a lot of strain on them and eventually cause them to burst. This is a common problem in homes where the water pressure is not correctly regulated.

What Can Cause Burst Pipes in Florida?

The most common cause of burst pipes in Florida is long periods of time when your home is left unattended and the water pressure builds up in the plumbing system. Given that many homeowners are so-called snowbirds who spend a significant part of the year away, this can present a problem. The water pressure builds up inside the pipes and if it’s not released, the pipes can burst.

Of course, this can also occur when you’re away on vacation or extended business trips, or if you decide to sell your home and move away temporarily. Without a person living inside to use the water, the pressure can become too much for the pipes and cause them to burst.

Preventing Burst Pipes in an Empty Home

There are a few steps you can take to prevent burst pipes while your house is empty:

1. Shut off the main water supply line leading into the home. This will stop all water from entering, preventing any buildup of pressure that could cause a pipe to burst.
2. Drain the home’s plumbing system by opening all the faucets until they stop dripping. This will ensure that the pipes are completely empty after you turn off the main water supply line.
3. Open cabinets and doors beneath sinks in order to allow air into them, as this will help reduce humidity levels inside the home and lessen the chance of pipe corrosion.
4. Have a professional plumbing inspection done before you leave, in order to identify any issues with valves or other components that could lead to a burst pipe.
5. Install shutoff valves on specific areas of your plumbing system, such as bathrooms and kitchens, so these areas can be easily shut off individually if necessary.
6. Have a friend or neighbor check on your home periodically to make sure everything is in order and there are no signs of leaks or other plumbing issues.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your pipes don’t burst while your house is empty. Burst pipes can cause significant damage to a home and its contents, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions. If you’re ever in doubt about what steps to take, consult a professional plumber for advice and assistance.

What To Do If Your Pipes Burst

If you discover that your pipes have burst, it’s important to take immediate action.

• First, try to locate the source of the leak and shut off any valves connected to it.
• Then, shut off the main water supply line and contact a professional plumber or emergency plumbing company. If there is extensive damage, you may need to call an emergency restoration company as well in order to repair any water damage caused by the burst pipe.
• Be sure to turn off any electrical appliances that may have come into contact with or be near water in order to avoid electric shock hazards.
• Finally, wait for a professional to assess the damage before trying any DIY repairs yourself. Professional plumbers and restoration companies have the experience and tools necessary to get the job done safely and effectively.

By following these tips, you can help prevent burst pipes in your empty home and ensure that any damage is contained quickly and efficiently. Remember that when it comes to plumbing leaks or bursts, prevention is always the best course of action.

Does Homeowners’ Insurance Cover Burst Pipes?

In some cases, homeowners’ insurance policies will cover the costs associated with burst pipes. However, there may be certain conditions and limitations that apply to your particular policy, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider before any repairs are made.

Make sure you save all related receipts and documents that prove how much you spent on repairs in case you need to file an insurance claim. Some policies may also require proof of the preventative measures you’ve taken in order to qualify for coverage, so be sure to keep a record of any inspections or shutoff valves you’ve installed.

Conclusion

Homeowners in Florida may not be so concerned about how to prevent frozen pipes, but living in the Sunshine State doesn’t eliminate the risk of burst pipes. By taking the necessary precautions you can help ensure that your home is safe and secure even while it’s empty.

Stronghold Plumbing In & Near Lakeland

For burst pipes or any other plumbing services, contact the best plumbers in and near Lakeland – Stronghold Plumbing. We offer free plumbing estimates and pride ourselves in being the Florida plumbing company that responds in minutes, not days.

Contact us today.

FAQ’s – Preventing Burst Pipes