Pipes can still burst in freezing temperatures even after you turn off your home's water. The pipes will still have water inside them, which means the water may freeze and potentially burst your pipes.
“This evening before you go to sleep, go out and turn that main turn off, turn some faucets on so your pipes can drain. They can't burst if there's no water in them to freeze," Director of Public Works for the City of Houston Carol Haddock said.
"There is no downside to turning off the water. It takes a little bit of time, and it can save thousands of dollars in potential water damage."
High Pressure
Excessive water pressure can cause stress on your plumbing leading to leaks and burst pipes. If you hear banging from your pipes (known as a water hammer) this is a sure sign of high water pressure. It may mean that the water pressure from your supplier to your house is too high.
A water shut-off is a primary control that turns off the water supply to your bathroom and kitchen plumbing. For example, it prevents flooding when you are planning to repair a fixture such as a faucet or toilet or when you are faced with a plumbing emergency, like a leak from a water heater or supply line.
It is perfectly safe to turn it off by either turning the wheel clockwise or closing the lever. If you don't know where to locate the valve, you may find it: In the basement.
4. After all faucets are open, let the COLD WATER run for at least 30 minutes. During this time, also flush each toilet in your home 2 or 3 times.
Hunt for Puddles
Random puddles near plumbing fixtures are a telltale sign of a water leak or a burst pipe. Start your search with exposed pipes, underneath sinks, and in the basement. Move from there to the upper floors and corners of the bathrooms and kitchen.
Water sounds in the walls are another sign. If you hear a constant drip, but know all of your faucets are aren't the cause, a pipe inside the wall is a likely cause for the noise. Additionally, check your other water fixtures before you assume a burst. Toilets, sinks, or tubs also make water noises from time to time.
Additionally, if you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, it is highly recommended that you turn off the main water valve.
Generally speaking, most water shut-off valves last between 10 to 20 years. However, they can last longer, depending on the material you choose. For example, brass valves can last about eight to 10 years, while stainless steel can last over 30 years.
Pipes are most likely to burst when exposed to below-freezing conditions for six hours or more, which can happen throughout winter and early spring.
Popping Sounds
If you hear one or more loud “popping” sounds coming from a wall in the residence, this noise could indicate pipes bursting. When water freezes, it expands in size. Consequently, chunks of ice in a frozen plumbing system sometimes press against pipe, blocking the flow of water.
Bursting of water pipes is one of the common plumbing issues that homeowners have to contend with. Whether in the house's plumbing network or the supply pipes, water pipes can burst without warning, leading to a major repair that requires the attention of a qualified plumber.
If you hear sounds from inside the walls, a burst pipe is possible. Water sounds, in particular, point to burst pipes. Drip sounds usually indicate a leak, but rushing water sounds are likely from a burst.
This finding was supported by a survey of 71 plumbers practicing in southern states, in which the consensus was that burst pipe problems began to appear when temperatures fell into the teens. However, freezing incidents can occur when the temperature remains above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you leave pipes to freeze, it is more than likely that after An extended period of time they will begin to crack and inevitably burst. Wrap your pipes in the colder areas of your home with insulation covers and insulate your water tanks especially in colder places.
Simply turn off the main water supply valve, which is typically located inside your home, right where the main pipe enters the house.
When you leave the glass of water uncovered for about 12 hours, carbon dioxide in the air starts to mix with it. This reduces the pH level of the water and gives it an off taste. But even then this water is safe to drink. Moreover, most experts believe that tap water has a shelf life of six months.
Opening the main valve (Open/Turn-on)
Close all faucets except a tub or sink on the highest level of the home. Partially turn on valves slowly; extra slow for lever handles; stop after ½ revolution on wheel handle, ½ of a ¼ turn for lever handle; with water flowing, slowly turn off highest open faucet.
Some older homes will have a gate valve, which will have a small metal wheel, also usually red, which you turn to close the valve. If your home has a gate valve as the main shut off, be careful, as these can break easily. It's best to have it replaced with a modern ball valve as soon as possible.
Turning the valve clockwise will close it, reducing the amount of water passing through. It may take a few minutes for the water to stop altogether.