How to Prevent Burst Pipes During Melbourne’s Coldest Months
A burst pipe is rarely convenient, and Melbourne’s colder months bring a genuine spike in the risk. Understanding why pipes are more likely to fail in winter makes it much easier to catch a problem before it turns into a flooded home.
Why Cold Weather Puts Pipes Under Strain
Cold snaps cause water inside exposed pipework to contract and, in the right conditions, the pipe material itself to become more brittle. Combined with existing wear, corrosion or a joint that was already under pressure, a cold night is often the final straw rather than the sole cause.
Protecting Exposed Pipework
Pipes running through unheated spaces, under the house or along external walls are the most exposed to temperature swings and are worth checking before winter sets in properly.
Insulating exposed sections and fixing any dripping taps beforehand, a slow drip can freeze and block a pipe entirely in extreme cold, are both simple, inexpensive precautions.
If a Pipe Does Burst
Knowing where your main water shut-off valve is located means you can stop the flow immediately if the worst happens, limiting the damage while you wait for a plumber.
If you’re unsure where your shut-off valve is, or you’d like your pipework checked before winter, we’re happy to help. Contact us today.