Will Pipes Burst If Water Is Turned Off and What to Do

Turning off the water supply can actually help prevent pipes from bursting, as it stops the water pressure from building up. This is especially true if you're going out of town for an extended period.

However, if you have old or corroded pipes, the water pressure might still cause them to burst, even if the supply is turned off. In fact, pipes can burst due to internal pressure, not just external factors like freezing temperatures.

It's essential to inspect your pipes before turning off the water supply, especially if you have a history of pipe issues. If you find any signs of damage or wear, it's best to address them before shutting off the water.

Water supply lines can be particularly prone to bursting, especially if they're made of brittle materials like PVC or copper. If you have these types of pipes, it's crucial to take extra precautions when turning off the water supply.

Preventing Frozen Pipes is a crucial step in avoiding burst pipes. Pipes usually don't freeze unless the temperature dips to 20°F or lower.

Exterior temperature is the primary factor in whether pipes freeze. Pipes in unheated or uninsulated areas are the first to freeze. If it's not cold outside, your pipes won't freeze.

To protect your pipes, consider insulating them, especially in exposed areas like attics, basements, or garages. You can also use heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables to wrap pipes.

Here are some preventative measures to take:

Pipes typically burst because of a spike in pressure, which can happen when water freezes inside a pipe and continues freezing and expanding, increasing the water pressure between the ice blockage and the closed faucet at the end.

Opening up nearby faucet fixtures can relieve the pressure and prevent further problems. This is especially important in the winter when frozen pipes are more common.

To prevent pipe damage, open the taps on the faucet to let any water still inside drip out. Leave the faucets open until the plumber arrives and completes any necessary repairs.

Here's a simple step-by-step guide to relieve pressure and prevent further problems:

By taking this simple step, you can help prevent further damage and make the repair process easier and less costly.

Pipes usually don't freeze unless the temperature dips to 20°F or lower. Exterior temperature is the primary factor in whether pipes freeze, so as temperatures start to drop, you should consider how to protect your pipes from freezing.

Water freezes at 32°F, but pipes in unheated or uninsulated areas are the first to freeze. This is especially true for pipes in unfinished attics, basements, or garages, which are at the highest risk of freezing due to wind chill and exposure to the elements.

To prevent pipes from freezing, it's essential to know where the internal stop/tap valve is and how to turn it off. This will help you shut off the water supply in case of a burst or frozen pipe.

In addition to knowing how to turn off the water supply, you should also keep the home as warm as possible even if you are out. This can help prevent pipes from freezing in the first place.

Pipes in older homes or those in warmer areas may not be insulated, making them more likely to freeze. You can insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon.

Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid frozen water pipes:

Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. By taking these preventative measures, you can help prevent frozen pipes and avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with a burst pipe.

Locating and Shutting Off Water Supply is a crucial step in preventing burst pipes. The main shut-off valve is usually located at the water meter or where the main line enters the house.

To find the shut-off valves, locate all exterior faucets first. Then, head back inside to find the exterior shut-off valves, which may be near the main water shut-off or along the basement ceiling.

The exterior shut-off valves can be easily traced to the home's outside walls. Newer homes may have a lever-style valve that incorporates a bleed cap, while older homes may have a gate valve or a ball valve.

Gate valves have a round handle that works by lifting or lowering a barrier into the path of water flowing through the pipe. To close a gate valve, turn the handle clockwise several times until you feel the gate fully engage.

Ball valves have a straight pivoting handle and are common in newer homes. To close a ball valve, turn the handle a quarter turn, so it's perpendicular to the pipe.

It's essential to turn off the main water valve to the house as soon as you notice water coming from a burst pipe. This will prevent any more water from flowing out of the pipe.

Here are the steps to shut off exterior water to avoid burst pipes:

Remember to turn off the electricity as well to avoid high voltage shocks. This is especially important if the burst pipe is in a room with electrical outlets, a breaker panel, or other electrical equipment.