When it comes to plumbing mistakes and emergencies, many of us think of leaks and flooding. However, fire damage from faulty plumbing can cause just as much damage and be much more dangerous. Preventative measures are the most effective and important way you can minimize the risk of fires caused by poor plumbing.
You should also have a reliable plumber in Fontana who you know is dependable and has years of experience. Our team of expert plumbers knows how to safely and properly install new plumbing systems and utilities as well as how to carry out effective repairs that will keep your home safe.
Keep reading to learn how faulty plumbing can lead to fires and the steps you can take to reduce this risk.
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Soldering Problems
Some types of plumbing work involving metal pipes require plumbers to solder the pipes together. The torches used in the soldering process contribute greatly to the risk of fire and are actually found to be one of the top causes of residential fires each year.
This might make you want to reconsider metal pipes altogether. However, soldering can be carried out safely and carefully. The most important thing to do is to hire a professional plumber who has first-class credentials. A highly trained plumber with years of experience behind them will be fully aware of the safety precautions they have to take. This should always include the use of a flame protector cloth or, even better – a steel plate which will prevent the flame from reaching any flammable materials that are within the proximity of where the soldering is taking place.
While some sources suggest that you can carry out soldering work on your own, this is not recommended. Soldering is very dangerous if you are not trained in how to use the torch and safety equipment. It only takes a simple mistake or accidental movement and something nearby could catch fire. The damage and potential harm to yourself and your family are not worth attempting to DIY this.
Whenever soldering work is being carried out, you should ensure that a fire extinguisher and either a water source or bucket of water is kept at hand. This will keep any potential fires contained before the damage can spread.
Hidden Leaks
Hidden leaks can also cause fires and are potentially more dangerous than soldering because you cannot anticipate the risk of fire. Leaks cause fires when water enters into an area of the home’s infrastructure that contains electric wiring. If the wiring does not have adequate insulation, the combination of water and electric wire can spark a fire.
This means the fire could happen at any time and have more of a chance of spreading throughout the home. Therefore, it is essential that the plumbing work carried out in your home is done carefully by a trustworthy and experienced plumber.
What can you do to try to prevent this type of fire? Being diligent is the best way to ensure that your home’s plumbing system does not contain any hidden leaks. You should watch out for the following:
- Unusually High Water Bill: if you cannot explain why your water bill is so high this month and the supplier confirms that it is correct, it might be because there is a leak wasting water somewhere in the house.
- Gurgling Sound: when you turn off your home’s water main and can still hear a quiet gurgling sound, it usually indicates that there is a more serious leak that should be dealt with immediately.
- Warping or discoloration: if your floors have become warped or discolored in areas, a water leak is the most likely culprit.
When you suspect that there is a hidden leak in your home, contact one of our Fontana plumbers who will have the experience needed to quickly locate the leak and fix the issue.
Frozen Pipes
It might surprise you to learn that frozen pipes can lead to residential fires, but this one is more about the incorrect methods of alleviating frozen pipes. The main risk here is using heat tape to cover pipes that are found in places that are more exposed to the elements, for instance under your porch or in the attic. While heat tape can be effective in warding off frozen pipes, it has to be applied carefully and correctly. If you don’t do this, the tape can easily overheat and start a fire.
Other methods of thawing frozen pipes, such as using a torch, are even more dangerous and likely to result in damage or injury. If you want to try to thaw your home’s pipes yourself, use a tool that supplies lower level heat such as a heat lamp or a simple hot compress. These will slowly thaw the pipe without risking fire damage.
Don’t Take Chances – Call a Pro!
The risk of a home fire due to faulty plumbing can be mitigated by taking the necessary precautionary steps. You should also avoid attempting risky DIY projects that involve an open flame around your home’s plumbing system.
When it comes to locating hidden leaks, performing soldering work, and even fixing frozen pipes, the work is best left to the professionals. Your plumber is better equipped and trained to deal with these common plumbing problems and has the necessary safety training to keep himself, you, and your home safe from fire.
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