What Causes Pipes To Burst?
Wondering what causes a pipe to burst? A burst pipe in the middle of the night is always an unpleasant surprise. Here’s why pipes burst and a few ways to avoid this common plumbing issue.
Wet walls, soaked carpets, and the impending doom of exorbitant repair bills — a burst pipe severely damages more than just your pipelines.
As you wait for the plumber or repairman to arrive, you may wonder, “What causes pipes to burst?” While burst water pipes are more common when the temperature drops, these plumbing accidents can also occur during balmy summer nights.
Similarly, old and rusted pipes do not always break and flood your house. Sometimes, management issues are to be blamed, while other times, mother nature may be the culprit. Burst water pipes are a common occurrence affecting many Australian homes yearly.
And while this widespread plumbing issue may seem inevitable once winter arrives, a little preparation can help keep your plumbing pipes in good shape. On that note, let’s discuss common causes of burst water pipes and how to avoid them.
Freezing temperatures during cold weather are the primary cause of burst pipes. Water freezes and expands in the pipe once the temperature drops to sub-zero.
Notably, freezing water can exert pressure between 25,000 to 120,000 psi. And, quite imaginably, the water pipes burst and cracked under increased pressure.
The best way to avoid frozen pipes is to direct heat towards them and ensure they stay warm. To do this, you can open cabinet doors and seal leaks around vents and windows. Also, ensure your thermostat is set to at least ten degrees Celsius, even when nobody is home.
You can also open a faucet to let the water trickle and allow movement in the water pipes. However, this may lead to increased water bills and waste. A more inexpensive option would be to call in an expert to install heat tapes around the water pipes to keep them insulated.
Even in warm temperatures, high water pressure in the pipes can cause them to burst. High water pressure from the maintenance company, issues with the pressure valves, and improper installation of water pipes — are a few reasons that lead to burst water pipes.
While your best bet is to hire a plumber to assess the situation, you can take a few preventative measures.
First, check the water pressure level in your home by attaching a pressure gauge to a faucet; ideally, it should be between 45 and 60 psi. If you don’t already have one, consider investing in a water pressure regulator to maintain optimal levels. Also, pressure valves should be adjusted to ensure regular water pressure throughout the system.
Common mistakes, such as flushing excessive toilet paper rolls or throwing grease down the sink, can have serious repercussions, including burst pipes. Indeed, these objects often cause clogs that increase the pressure in the pipes, causing damage to the plumbing system and other parts of the house. It is essential to handle blocked pipes as soon as you notice them to prevent possible plumbing emergencies, including flooding and pipe bursts.
How To Prevent Clogging
Most of us are guilty of incorrectly disposing of sanitary items and pushing food particles or hair down the drain. It would be best to raise awareness among your household members about what they can and cannot throw down the toilet or sink.
Also, place drain protectors over plugholes in your shower, sink, and bath to catch potential contaminants, such as hair and plastic wrappers.
Tree roots are looking for nutrients, and moisture may enter your water pipes through cracks and crevices in the ground. Furthermore, more extensive roots can break up segments of your pipeline or create a blockage. And as you already know, blocked pipes lead to the build-up of pressure, resulting in burst pipes.
Most homeowners are unaware of the location of their pipelines and cannot assess threats from surrounding trees. To prevent invasive tree roots from penetrating the pipes, you must first locate underground piping systems and inspect them for invasive tree roots. Then, you can bury physical barriers made of wood or metal.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional to line the pipes with durable plastic that blocks roots from breaking through the material.
Despite your best efforts, pipes eventually deteriorate after a few years — some materials age faster than others. Neglecting maintenance for extended periods may reduce the lifespan of your pipelines.
Degraded pipes cannot endure high water pressure and are more vulnerable to breaking and bursting than newer pipes.
The key to preventing aged pipes from bursting is to replace them on time. It would be best to keep yourself informed about the lifespan of the material used in the pipeline — while plastic pipes may get brittle over time, metal pipes are prone to rust. Here, too, it is best to leave it to an expert to conduct an inspection and inform you about the condition of the pipes.
As mentioned earlier, not all plumbing materials offer the same durability or convenience. Pipes made of galvanised iron, the norm a few decades ago, are unsuitable for plumbing as they are susceptible to rusting.
Apart from rust and debris, plaque build-up may also narrow the pipes and block the passage of water. As you know, blockages and the resultant increase in water pressure are a recipe for disaster.
Unfortunately, water is corrosive, especially if it has a low pH. Ensure the water running through your pipeline has a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. You should also monitor the oxygen levels in the pipes and use sealants, U-bolts, and straps to block any openings.
Natural events like tremors and floods may affect the soil and buried pipes. Similarly, human activities above the ground, such as traffic and construction sites, can lead to soil erosion, further damaging the pipeline.
There is not much you can do to control natural ground movements. However, calling a plumber to inspect for damage after heavy rainfall or an earthquake can help prevent further losses.
As the adage goes, “prevention is better than cure.” This saying is especially true for burst pipes, which can be expensive to repair. The inconveniences from burst pipes are not limited to your pipelines; overflowing water can damage ceilings and floors and cause short circuits.
On that note, we recommend you document any damage for an insurance claim. However, not every home insurance policy covers all types of water damage. For instance, the insurance company may only cover damages if the cause was sudden or accidental and won’t reimburse you if the issue is traced back to aged pipes.
Anyhow, staying proactive about the health of the pipelines in your house can save you from unnecessary stress and financial losses — whether with the insurance or plumbing company.
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