People living in cold climates know how important it is to watch out for burst plumbing pipes during the winter season. Pipe bursts commonly occur in cold weather as the cold causes the water to freeze and expand within the pipe. However, many people don’t realize that a pipe burst could happen any time, even in summer. Pipe bursts are a severe problem because water can rush out of the burst pipe rapidly and cause flooding, which could lead to significant damage. Therefore, homeowners should check their pipes now and then and take care of pipe damage or leaks that may eventually result in a pipe burst.
Causes of Pipe Burst
How do pipes bursts? Some significant causes of burst pipes include:
Freezing
When the mercury drops below the freezing point, the water running through plumbing pipes can freeze. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can cause the pipe to leak or burst when the pressure becomes too high. People living in colder climates are advised to keep the taps open ever so slightly to keep the water running continuously. This prevents the water in the pipes from freezing.
Root Encroachment
As trees grow, their roots grow too and extend further in the soil. These roots can be exposed to underground entities like the water pipe. Water pipes are usually not strong enough to tackle tree roots. The roots continue applying pressure on pipes until they finally crack. To prevent damage to your pipes from tree roots, don’t plant any trees near your water pipes. If you don’t know the location of your underground water pipes, call a plumber to check where your pipes are located and plant accordingly.
Clogs
One of the major pipe burst causes is clogs. When a pipe gets clogged, it can cause pressure to build up inside the pipe. A point will come when the pressure becomes so much that it will cause the pipe to burst. Bathroom products, hair, sanitary pads, etc. can clog plumbing pipes. To prevent clogs, you shouldn’t throw anything that can cause a blockage in pipes.
Rusty Pipes
Pipes eventually start to rust over or wear out. Too much wear and tear or rust make them extremely vulnerable to bursts. To prevent pipe bursts due to wear and tear or rust, you should have your pipes inspected by a professional after every few months. If the pipe is in poor condition, the plumber will advise replacing before it bursts.
Collapsed Pipe
Plumbing pipes can collapse because of environmental changes. For example, construction near your house can cause the soil to shift to the point that it puts so much weight upon a plumbing pipe that it ruptures. If significant development takes place near your home, inform the workers about your sewer and water pipes.
Consequences of a Burst Pipe
Mold
Mold grows in damp areas. When a pipe bursts and it floods your home, mold could increase if you don’t correctly remove all excess moisture from your property.
Damage
When a pipe bursts and immediate action isn’t taken to stop the flow of water, it can cause immense destruction. Everything from your electronics to your insulation, flooring, and furniture can get significantly damaged from water.
Signs of Rusty or Worn Out Pipes
As we mentioned earlier, rusty or worn pipes are at an increased risk of bursting. You should check for these warning signs to determine if you have rusty or worn-out pipes.
Discolored Water
When a pipe is rusty, yellow or brown colored water might come out of your faucet. If you notice discolored water coming from your pipe, call a plumber for pipe replacement. They will replace the pipe before it can burst and cause damage to your home.
Stains on the Wall
When water is leaking from a pipe, you might notice stains on your walls near the pipe. If the leak isn’t fixed, it can eventually cause a pipe burst. Therefore, if you identify a leak, immediately call a plumber to fix it.
Lower Water Pressure
If you notice that the water pressure has dropped, you need to call a plumber for an inspection. Water pressure could decrease due to leaks, clogs, or other issues. A plumber can use leaking pipe detector equipment and carry out a pipe video inspection to identify the problem and fix it before it leads to a pipe burst.
What Should You Do If a Pipe Bursts?
If a pipe bursts, go to the main water valve of your home and immediately shut it off. After that, call a plumber. While the plumber is on their way, start removing the water that may have accumulated due to the burst pipe. Don’t try to fix the burst pipe yourself because this is a difficult task. A plumber will have the resources, knowledge, and experience needed to replace a burst pipe.
Final Thoughts
We have discussed some common causes of burst pipes, their consequences, and a few signs of rusty or worn-out pipes. This information should help you prevent burst pipes in your home. If you ever start noticing signs of a leaking pipe or see other plumbing emergencies that could lead to a burst pipe, call Rowin Plumbing. We offer pipe inspection service and can carry out pipe camera inspections to determine if there is a leak, clog, or other issues that might lead to burst pipes.