Burst Pipe Repair Services in Virginia Beach
Work with Superior Plumbers in Virginia Beach
Burst pipes are an emergency situation. If you have a burst pipe, immediately turn off the main water shut-off valve located outside your home. Then, contact us for repairs. We conveniently serve Virginia Beach with the latest technology and decades of experience.
How Did That Pipe Burst?
This may be your first time dealing with a burst pipe, and it probably isn’t clear how it happened or how it could have been prevented. Our experts briefly explain the causes and how to avoid it in the future.
The most common cause of burst pipes are:
- Freezing - water expands as it freezes, so frozen water will exert more and more pressure on the pipes. The pipes are then likely to give way, especially in prolonged or severe cold
- Water flow blockage from ice - when the ice finally melts, the pipes will leak at the break.
- Age and condition of your pipes - leaky fitting can wear out over time and suddenly break apart, letting out a strong stream of water. Since water is under pressure inside the pipes, cracks in any damaged or worn area will widen from the force of the water.
Is There a Way to Avoid Burst Pipes?
Insulating your pipes will go a long way toward preventing unexpected pipe bursts. The most common area for water to freeze is where the pipes come out of the ground and move into the house. We suggest wrapping pipes that run along the outer walls of your home.
Feel for drafts wherever you can access pipes in the house. Pipes under sinks are likely to freeze at the bend, where ice can collect until it blocks the flow completely. It’s also a good idea to insulate these pipes under your sinks.
In emergency situations, put space heaters near pipes in vulnerable areas. In older homes, where pipes can easily freeze, turn on your hot water faucet very lightly at night. You want a small trickle to run through the pipes when temperatures drop to their lowest. This prevents ice from forming.
Note: While you can thaw pipes that have frozen, this is not usually recommended. Frozen pipes are vulnerable; the rapid expanding and contracting on your pipes can cause them to suddenly break if the thawing occurs too quickly, or if it is not handled correctly.
What’s the Repair Process?
When tending to your burst pipe, our plumbers will identify and isolate the break. We will then replace the pipe or fitting with a new one, as well as properly seal every joint. The repair process does not stop with just the repair. We will test the water flow to make sure your pipes are working properly again, and that the solution will stand for the long term. We also recommend having your your water supply system checked regularly. Timely maintenance is key to preventing unexpected problems.
Some pipes are inside your walls, so the leak may not be discovered immediately. A burst pipe can result in a flood of water crashing through the ceiling or pouring across a broken bathroom floor. Call for help at (757) 347-8549!
