A burst pipe is a disaster in the making. Imagine having to deal with flooding that could also be reeking with foul smell, high levels of moisture, wet furniture, and, of course, a bathroom and water supply you cannot use.
It is for these reasons that a burst pipe requires an emergency plumber. It can happen anytime, so you want to make sure that it gets fixed right away before the problem becomes worse.
But have you ever thought about why you’re having this issue in the first place? Here are 11 reasons to explain why you have a burst pipe:
- Bad Weather, Too Little Insulation
Pipes are at risk of bursting in winter because of the low temperatures and the high water usage. The constant expansion and contraction can damage them, especially if there isn’t enough insulation to protect them. If your pipes aren’t properly insulated, it’s time to call for professional help.
- Rusted Pipe Joints
Bursting joints cause leaks. They should be replaced as soon as possible with new rustproof metal parts, finned copper tubing is best. Also, leaking joints can freeze during winter months, causing problems like snapped piping outside of the house.
- Cracks in the Pipes
If you have water coming up through the drain when you flush your toilet or turn on faucets, there could be a crack in your sewer pipe. Sewer lines run underground and are particularly vulnerable to damage from earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. This means that homeowners need to get rid of cracks as soon as possible.
- Continuous Usage of Low-Quality Pipes
Low-quality plastic piping can burst if not properly connected to metal water supply lines. Installation issues like loose valves or manifolds can cause ruptures too.
Bursting pipes in the house can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even structural problems. This is why it’s recommended to only rely on quality plastic piping (PVC or metal) when doing construction work.
- Corroded Manifolds
Bursting manifolds are especially dangerous because they’re usually located indoors where the pressure might cause flooding. This also means that poorly assembled valves can be hazardous if not done by a professional plumber who knows how to protect your home against leaks!
Pitting corrosion due to age, faulty parts, or excessive humidity can be prevented if you hire an expert to seal corroded metallic parts with grout so you won’t have water damage in the future.
- Frozen Soil
If the temperature of your area is below 32ºF, you might experience frozen soil. There is no room for additional water to get in via cracks or underground fissures.
Cracks typically become larger when water freezes and thaws (due to the pressure), which can lead to more serious problems like burst pipes during wintertime. You can prevent any problems by covering pipelines with insulation before freezing weather hits.
- Broken Supply Line
Sudden changes in temperature, heavy usage of household appliances, and fluctuating pressure levels are some causes for broken supply lines. If your pipes are old, they are at greater risk of rupturing due to the constant changes.
While you can prevent this by draining your water system before wintertime, there are no guarantees. Proper insulation will help reduce problems during extreme temperatures.
- High pH Levels in Soil
High pH levels in soil can cause corrosion inside of your water supply lines leading to cracks and leaks over time. This problem is more common in regions with a lot of limestone or chalk deposits within the ground. These types of rock can increase acidity in the soil. Corroded parts need to be replaced immediately, so you won’t have additional costs when replacing burst piping.
- High Water Pressure
High water pressure can cause problems as well. Over time, your pipes will become more and more stressed until they just can’t take it anymore. Bursting pipelines in the home are hazardous because you might not notice leaks immediately. Constant monitoring and maintenance of your piping system is recommended.
- Broken Lateral Lines
Cracked lateral lines lead to soil erosion, which causes more damage to underground pipes. Besides leading to leaks, broken lateral lines are also able of causing problems with the municipal water supply. Don’t underestimate this issue because it’s not as easy or cheap to fix as you might think.
- Termite Infestation
This one isn’t something you should take lightly since termites can cause even more damage if their nests are located close enough to the water system. Many people don’t know that termites can also eat through plastic pipes. These insects also use water for their needs.
Moreover, leaking pipes can increase moisture, which makes wood wet. Not only does it make the wood rot, but also termites love to feast on wood.
The best way to deal with this issue is by preventing it. Hire a plumber who can prepare your water system for the change in season and pressure, make sure your pipes are in perfect condition, and prevent any problems before they happen.
This isn’t something you should handle on your own (even though there are many DIY tutorials online) since plumbing companies know exactly what to do when it comes to plumbing issues.
Meta title: Common Reasons for a Burst Pipe
Meta desc: Burst pipes are an emergency, but why do they happen? Here are 11 reasons for a burst pipe.