Older Phoenix Homes May Be at Risk for Water Damage

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

If you relocated to Phoenix from colder climates, you may have thought that the risk of broken pipes in your home was left behind when you moved to Arizona since freezing is no longer an issue in hotter weather. While damaged pipes from freezing might not affect Phoenix homes, the area is still susceptible to water pipe breaks, especially if you live in an older home. Many areas in Phoenix have older, historic homes, and with those homes come older water pipes. Though a water pipe break can occur in a home of any age, older homes can be exceptionally susceptible. Learn more about what to do if your older home experiences a pipe break and how water remediation professionals can help.

Why older homes carry more risk of water damage

There are plenty of Phoenix homes that become susceptible to water damage from events like broken pipes, and a bad enough break could cause a fair amount of damage. For many houses, the indoor plumbing is sufficient to handle this added pressure, but with older or improperly installed plumbing, this could quickly lead to a water emergency for your home. Houses built between the years 1978 and 1995 often used plastic resin called polybutylene to manufacture piping systems. Unfortunately, polybutylene proved unable to handle the oxidants commonly found in water supplies, which led to weak or failing pipes. If your older home has this kind of pipes, there is an increased risk of leaks and breakage.

What to do if your home experiences water damage from broken pipes
 

SERVPRO technicians have experience in various water damage situations and have the tools and expertise to clean up the mess for you and return your home to preloss condition. The process starts with eliminating the root of the problem, which means initially cutting the supply of water into your home via the primary service line valve. Depending on the severity of the damage that is visible when entering your home, SERVPRO professionals get to work extracting water and addressing the damage. Technicians will also ensure water is completely removed to discourage the growth of mold or unpleasant odors caused by residual dampness. Depending on where the break occurred, you may have damage to carpets or drywall that may need to be repaired; SERVPRO can help with that as well.

Many people are not aware of the condition or strength of their indoor plumbing in their older home until it fails. If you have a water emergency due to older pipes leaking or breaking, do not hesitate to call our experienced team of professionals at SERVPRO of Central Phoenix. You can reach us 24/7 at (602) 386-4268.