Suburbs in the older Durban area, like Durban north for example, are very prone to burst pipes. If it’s not on the streets, these 50-70 year old plumbing is most certainly in your kitchen or bathroom!
It’s always helpful to be slightly handy around your home, especially in this instance of preventing your home from flooding!
Even if you know very little about plumbing, it could be handy knowing these small tips to get things under control.
Firstly, if you didn’t know – there are temporary fixes for the burst pipe, as well as preventative measures you can take.
Preventing a burst pipe
During the winter, when temperatures are subzero, it’s important to prevent a burst pipe. A burst pipe can cause serious water damage to your home. If you don’t know what to do, you might be left with water damage and expensive repairs. It’s important to act quickly if you find a burst pipe.
The first step is to turn off your main water supply. This is usually located in your basement or crawl space. This will reduce the pressure in your pipes and prevent further damage.
Alternatively, you can call a professional plumber to inspect and repair your pipes. They may need to cut or unscrew pipes to repair the problem.
The second step is to find the source of the pressure. You may need to contact your local district office of the Housing Executive. If you live in a rental property, you may be responsible for insulating the inside pipework.
You may also be able to find a leaking pipe by listening to the water. If you hear water leaking from your walls, it may be a burst pipe.
Temporary fixes for a burst pipe
Depending on the size of the leak, a temporary fix can do the trick. This type of fix is only temporary and may not stop the leak altogether, but it should slow the process and prevent major property damage.
One common temporary fix is the use of duct tape. This type of tape is waterproof and can be used to keep water from seeping out of a leaky pipe for a few minutes. It should be handled with care, though.
Another temporary fix is the use of a rubber gasket. You can use this to seal a leak in a plastic or metal pipe. You can also use a hose clamp to secure the gasket. You should tighten the gasket enough to cover the leak but not so tight that it becomes unusable.
For more serious leaks, you might want to consider replacing the pipe. This will allow you to find the cause of the leak, and fix it, as well as prevent any future leaks.
By this stage, if you have the burst pipe under control, you should be in a decent position to call your trusted plumber nearest to you.
Estimating the cost of a burst pipe repair
Getting an estimate on a burst pipe repair depends on several factors. The material that were used for the pipes, the severity of the damage, and the location are all important. In addition, labor costs also play a major part. The more complicated the repair, the more expensive the cost.
The type of pipe that you have may also affect the cost. For instance, if the pipes are old, cast iron, or have a corroding coating, they may need to be replaced. Cast iron repairs are difficult. If your home is located in a low-income area, you may have lower labor costs.
There are many causes for a burst pipe. Older homes may have cast iron piping, or lead. Corrosion or incorrect water pressure can also cause a burst. Some pipes can be frozen, which may require thawing.
If you suspect a burst pipe, contact a plumber. He can help you find the location of the leak and fix the problem. The plumber can also determine the type of pipe and give you an estimate on the repair.
Protecting the house from future damage after a burst pipe
Taking steps to protect the house from future damage after a burst pipe is crucial. Fortunately, it is possible to find insurance policies that cover this type of damage. However, it is important to understand what is covered and what is not. It is also crucial to contact your insurance provider if you are denied coverage. Your insurance company may have an ombudsman who can help you through the process.
Water damage accounts for 22 percent of all homeowner’s insurance claims. Generally, damage caused by broken or burst pipes is covered by a basic homeowners policy. However, some policies distinguish between resulting damage and initial damage. If you are denied coverage, it is a good idea to seek a second opinion or contact your state insurance commissioner.
You should also be aware that damage caused by slowly deteriorating or rusting pipes is not covered by homeowners insurance. However, if you have a water backup coverage on your policy, you may have more coverage for backed-up drains and pumps.