6 Tips to Avoid Burst Pipes as the Weather Changes in Baltimore

Protect Your Plumbing in Springtime

As winter conditions give way to spring weather, homeowners in Baltimore need to be aware of the potential for burst pipes. Burst pipes can cause major damage to a property due to flooding, as water makes its way through other parts of your home, leading to further destruction.

Fortunately, there are some tips that you can follow to help prevent these costly repairs from taking place. ServiceMaster by Singer offers expertise on how you can better protect your plumbing system against freeze-thaw cycles and high-pressure-related issues while still maintaining proper water flow throughout the year.

1. Understand the Potential for Freezing Temperatures in Spring

Although the winter months in Baltimore are typically when burst pipes or plumbing may occur, there is always the potential for freezing temperatures throughout the spring. To avoid costly burst pipes, you must be aware of what weather conditions could lead to pipe issues and take proactive steps such as keeping interior temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and ensuring outdoor water supply lines are completely drained.

If burst pipes occur in the spring, we recommend contacting our professional restoration specialists immediately. We guide you through the inspection process, ensuring you're constantly informed. ServiceMaster by Singer can provide reliable pipe repair services and help minimize plumbing damage.

2. Check Pipes Annually for Signs of Corrosion, Rust, or Wear and Tear

To ensure your plumbing is protected from freezing and bursting during the transition to spring, it's essential to check your pipes every year for signs of corrosion, rust, or wear and tear. Not only does this step help protect homes from potential water damage caused by burst pipes, but knowing why these pipes burst in the first place is invaluable.

Corroded material deteriorates, and holes can form that ultimately create weak spots, which can cause a pipe to burst when under pressure due to high temperatures or freezing weather. Taking the extra step to prevent leaks and bursts by regularly checking pipes can save you time, money, and hassle while also avoiding potential water and mold damage.

3. Invest in Pipe Insulation If Needed

As the weather changes, it’s imperative to consider ways to protect your Baltimore home's plumbing system from freezing and bursting during the transition from winter to spring. Additional insulation is even more important if a system is in an area with poor heating or ventilation.

Investing in proper pipe insulation can help ensure that residential pipes won’t burst just because temperatures drop or increase without warning. Insulation will also ensure that your home has plenty of hot water regardless of the season and can save you money on energy bills as heat won’t be lost while water moves through your pipes. Take the time to evaluate your home’s needs and invest in pipe insulation if needed; it could save you many costly repairs down the line.

4. Move Exposed Pipes Indoors or Underground

During the spring season, burst pipes remain a potential danger that all local homeowners should take steps to prevent. Moving pipes exposed to cold temperatures indoors or underground can help eliminate the risk of burst pipes due to freezing. In addition to insulation and other cold-weather strategies, exploring ways to move these vulnerable pipes away from potential exposure is key to avoiding burst plumbing. Doing so can save a great deal of money and hassle if burst pipes should otherwise occur.

5. Shut Off Outdoor Faucets During Periods of Cold Weather

An important part of protecting your home from burst pipes as spring sets in is shutting off all outdoor faucets during cold weather. Allowing water to remain in exposed hoses immediately increases the risk of freezing temperatures, which can have devastating consequences.

If a faucet locks up due to icy temperatures, it places tremendous pressure on residential plumbing systems with potentially severe results. Taking action sooner rather than later can save you a lot of time and money by avoiding costly repairs and lengthy assessments. So, take the preventative steps necessary to ensure you are ready for any weather conditions this spring.

6. Keep an Eye on Water Pressure Levels Inside Your Home

As the weather transitions and temperatures start to warm up, it’s important to stay alert for potential changes in water pressure levels inside your home. This is especially important when it comes to protecting your plumbing from a freeze and potentially bursting. Burst pipes can happen for multiple reasons, such as a sudden water pressure change or an old piping system issue.

Water pressure that's too high can affect the following:

• Appliances – High water pressure causes your household appliances to leak significantly. If you notice pools of water under appliances or near hoses, you should contact a professional.
• Water heater – Your water heater may start overworking to accommodate the higher water pressure. You may also hear strange hammering sounds from your unit, which should be checked immediately.
• Toilets – Excessively running toilets aren't normal; they could be a sign that your water pressure is a bit too high. You may also have a faulty valve, but it's better to have a thorough inspection performed by a qualified technician to be sure.
• Faucets – Constantly dripping or "spitting" faucets could indicate that you have higher-than-normal water pressure. If left unaddressed, you may have weak or damaged pipes that could burst over time.
• Utility bills – On average, a running faucet uses 30 gallons at 50 PSI of pressure every 10 minutes. High water pressure could increase that amount, resulting in unusually high utility bills and wasted water.

If you notice any changes or signs that you might have a broken pipe, contact a professional restoration company immediately. Even if the damage isn't too extreme, it's better to be safe than sorry, as burst plumbing can cause thousands of dollars worth of damages and repairs.

ServiceMaster by Singer Can Help with Broken or Damaged Pipes Year-Round

Spring temperatures are unpredictable, and that can often leave homeowners unprepared when a potential pipe freeze occurs. ServiceMaster by Singer provides professional restoration services, including assessing and repairing burst or broken pipes throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan area for residential homes and businesses. We understand the importance of expert advice and service when it comes to protecting your home from unexpected damage caused by seasonal weather changes.