Austin, TX can have some brutal summers with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees. As the warmer weather approaches, we are preparing for an influx of requests to repair fractured pipes. Most people are aware that freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst, but many are shocked to find out that hot weather can increase the risk of pipes bursting as well. If you have ever wondered why your pipes are breaking or separating during the summertime, you are in the right place!
Prefer video? Play the video below to watch as Johnny, one of our Austin plumbers, explains how hot weather can damage your pipes.
In the heat of the summer, the ground is usually much dryer, which causes roots to come up looking for moisture. Roots are always growing and moving, but this can be accelerated if they are searching for water. As roots move, the ground shifts, which can disturb your home’s pipes and lead to fractures or separation. Technically your pipes can be affected by the roots and ground shifting at any time of year, but it is even more common in extreme heat.
Depending on how bad the water leak is, your first step should be to turn off the water supply to your home. It is helpful to know where your shut off valve is located before an emergency happens. If you find yourself with a broken pipe and do not know where your home’s shut off valve is, feel free to call Stan’s and one of our representatives will be happy to help walk you through where to find it. If you are not able to locate it, we will send a plumber out to your home promptly to turn off your water.
If you already know where your shut off valve is located, your next step would be to contact a licensed plumber to repair the breakage. We always recommend having a licensed plumber repair damage to pipes because they have the training and necessary tools required to ensure that your home’s plumbing system is restored to proper functioning. While you are waiting on a plumber to arrive, open all faucets and flush toilets to drain the remaining water. This will help reduce pressure on your plumbing system. It is important to note that a licensed plumber will only repair the break in the pipe and will not be able to address the water damage if the break was inside your home. In some cases, a few fans and a dehumidifier will do the trick. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to contact a water damage restoration company.
Protecting your pipes from the effects of extreme heat is a bit more difficult than protecting them from freezing temperatures. To protect pipes from freezing temperatures, you can insulate exposed pipes, keep your home adequately heated, and drip faucets. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent the ground from shifting. However, because we know that this can happen due to roots searching for water, planting trees farther away from your home and away from water lines can help. Over the years, as roots grow, it is very possible that they will end up near your water line and could wreak havoc.
When you experience a plumbing emergency such as a broken pipe, you may not have a lot of time to research licensed plumbers. However, it is still very important to select a qualified, reliable plumber that can get to your home quickly. At Stan’s, we can offer you just that. Our plumbers are fully licensed and insured and come with years of experience. We prioritize emergency calls, so in the case of a water leak, we are typically able to get a plumber to your home the same day. We stand behind our plumbers with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. When you hire Stan’s, you can rest easy knowing that your home is in the hands of a reliable and knowledgeable team. We will also provide options to fit your schedule and budget, plus we come with thousands of five-star reviews from happy customers. Call Stan’s today for top notch pipe repair service in Austin, TX!
Stan’s HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical
6016 Dillard Cir
Austin, TX 78752
See Service Area
HVAC: 512-929-9393
Plumbing: 512-580-8153
