When temperatures drop, water can freeze and cause pipes to burst. Bursts and leaks can also happen due to high water pressure or corrosion.
A damaged water pipe often results in a plumbing bill and a mess to clean up. At ServiceMaster of Lake Shore, one of the things we specialize in is water damage cleanup and restoration.
We see burst water pipes regularly. We have a process for cleaning up the water, drying the area, and preventing issues like mold growth. We can also clean rugs and upholstery if needed.
Identifying a burst water pipe isn’t always easy, especially if the pipe is behind a wall or in another area you can’t see. Here are some common warning signs of a burst pipe to look for.
What Happens When a Pipe Bursts in Your Chicago Home?
A burst pipe will cause water to leak and pool in your home. Depending on how much water pools in your home, you might have to deal with water damage and other issues.
It can be an issue if you don’t notice the leak right away since humidity levels will go up, and mold will likely appear. Plus, a burst pipe can wreak havoc on your plumbing system. When a pipe burst at the Yorktown Apartment complex in Lombard, IL, 275 residents found themselves without heat or hot water.
How Do I Know if a Pipe Burst in My Chicago Home?
It’s important to keep an eye out for any changes that affect your plumbing system since they could indicate that you need to call a plumber. Here are some common signs that there is a burst water pipe somewhere on your property:
Standing Water
Finding a puddle of standing water in your home is one of the most common signs of a burst pipe. Puddles will typically form near the area with the leak and can appear underneath a sink, close to appliances, in your bathroom, or in your basement.
However, a burst pipe won’t always result in a noticeable water puddle since water can leak in a hidden area or seep into the ground.
Watermarks
If a pipe that runs behind a wall bursts, it will often result in watermarks. You might see discolored spots and stains appear on your walls or ceiling. These spots can look yellow, brown, or black. You may feel that the area is damp when you touch it, and the material might feel soft to the touch if there is extensive water damage.
Problems With Water Pressure
Different things can cause low water pressure. Before assuming there is a burst pipe in your home, you should rule out other causes, like a failing pressure regulator or a corrosion buildup in the pipes.
However, a sudden drop in water pressure can indicate a burst or leaking pipe.
Changes to Your Water
The Chicago plumbing code calls for using insulation so there