As the ground around a pipe freezes and heats, the pipes expand and contract – sometimes causing a rupture. Pressure changes can also occur when fire hydrants are either opened or closed too quickly. This is called water hammer. When the pressure inside a water main changes, it can cause the pipe to burst.
Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes. Close inside valves that control the water supply. Open the outside spigots to allow to drain water out. Keep outsides valve open so water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing a break.
While minor clogs can be cleared away with household tools, frequent clogging often suggest that you have a major clog developing in your drain line. Major clogs often form over months or years through the accumulation of soap residue, fats, hair, and other organic debris.
Even so, outside temperatures generally have to fall to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit or below before your pipes will freeze or burst due to freezing. Still, you might not want to wait for temperatures to fall that low before taking precautions to protect your pipes from freezing.
Causes of Water Main Breaks
Temperature changes or overly dry or wet weather can cause the ground to shift. This results in breaks to the water main pipes. The age of the main or sudden fluctuations in the pressure may also cause a break. Older pipes may break due to corrosion.
As the ground around a pipe freezes and heats, the pipes expand and contract – sometimes causing a rupture. Pressure changes can also occur when fire hydrants are either opened or closed too quickly. This is called water hammer. When the pressure inside a water main changes, it can cause the pipe to burst.
Breaks to the main water line are more common than one might think, with an estimated 240,000 happening every year in the United States.
A pro will need to assess the clog severity, pipe accessibility, and the method of removal. Main sewer line clog repair costs $376 on average, but costs may range from $99 for the cost to snake a drain and clear a small clog to $1,600 to perform a video inspection and hydro jet a major clog from the line.
Roto-Rooter Cost by Service Type. Your plumbing needs will dictate the price, but the average cost for a Roto-Rooter contractor or independently owned business is $160 to $450. This includes drive time for a technician or plumber to come to your home.
With the main sewer line clogged, you need a professional plumber to snake or hydro-jet the pipe that connects drains in your home to the municipal sewer line. Hydro jetting is a complex process that entails using high-pressure jets through the drain pipes to break up blockages and get rid of all debris.
Here's a list of ways to prevent freezing pipes in your home: Keep the thermostat at a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure pipes are properly insulated.
A class action lawsuit filed in Minnesota claims Roto-Rooter is running a sewer line repair scam in which it lies to homeowners about the severity of their plumbing problem in order to charge them unnecessary repairs or replacements costing thousands of dollars.
Most insurance companies will cover unexpected water damage. However, damage caused by an ongoing issue or structural problem may not be covered. Roto-Rooter makes the water damage insurance process as easy as possible by working directly with your insurance company.
Hydro jetting costs $475 on average but range from $350 to $600. A plumber can give you a quote and get rid of your sewer clog. Having to keep your plumber on speed dial is no fun for any homeowner. If chronic sewer clogs are giving you issues, it might be time to call in the big guns.
Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.
No, Drano® is not recommended to clear a clogged sewer line.
Hire a professional: If the location of the water service line break is on your property, you will likely be responsible for the repair. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you will likely want to hire a professional plumber for the specialized equipment and expertise to safely handle the repair.
Various causes can lead to high water pressure, such as issues with the municipal water supply system, closed valves, malfunctioning pressure regulators, and defective water pumps. If the water pressure is too high, it can result in plumbing problems such as leaks, burst pipes, and malfunctioning appliances.
Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden, unexpected occurrence like a burst pipe is often covered by a homeowners insurance policy. In addition, cleaning, repair or replacement of wood flooring, drywall and even furniture due to water damage as a result of a burst pipe typically is covered.
Low location – If your home is in a low spot or at the bottom of a hill, the water pressure may naturally increase with gravity as it approaches your home. Temperature changes – As the temperature increases in your plumbing system, water will expand and pressure will increase.