What Causes Water Pipes To Burst And How To Prevent Them

Water pipes are essential components of your home's plumbing system. These tubes or pipes carry water for you and your family. It also aids in the preservation of water quality. Water pipes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. These are used to transport water from tanks to faucets. Additionally, it removes water from your washbasin.

In the meantime, there are some situations that can cause your water pipes to burst. This can cause significant disruption to your home life and may cost you time, effort, and money in the future. You must take action in order to keep your water pipes in good condition. The first step is to determine what causes them to burst.

Causes of Burst Water Pipes 

It is critical to understand what causes water pipes to burst so that it can be avoided in the future. The following are the most common reasons for burst water pipes.

Corrosion 

Corrosion is one of the causes of burst water pipes. Metal water pipes are prone to corrosion, which can lead to pipe damage. Corrosion has the potential to reduce the maximum pressure that pipes can withstand. Corrosion can also cause water pipes to deteriorate.

Keep in mind that water acidity, high water temperature, high water pressure, and minerals in the water are all causes of corrosion. Although corrosion cannot be completely avoided, it can be slowed down.

Aging

Plumbing materials, including water pipes, naturally deteriorate over time. Pipes can become weakened as they age, resulting in bursting.

Faulty fittings

If your water pipes have faulty fittings or improper attachments, the pressure from the water flow can cause these fittings to burst, resulting in flooding from the seams.

Water freezing

Frozen water flow causes burst pipes during cold weather.

Hard water

Water with a high calcium and magnesium content may be harder. Although it is not harmful to humans, it can accumulate in your water pipes and slow down the flow of water. It may also result in increased water flow pressure, causing your pipes to burst. These elements can slowly corrode water pipes, causing leaks.

Ground movements

Ground movements can also cause your water pipes to burst. It could cause damage to the buried plumbing pipes. Earth tremors and shifting soils are examples of ground movements. Because it is a natural occurrence, you usually have no control over it. Fortunately, proper drainage can help you avoid flooding and other soil movements.

What will happen if your water pipes burst? 

As mentioned earlier, bursting water pipes can bring inconvenience to your home living. If not given immediate attention, it may also cost you a lot of money in repairs and replacements for the water pipe system. The consequences of bursting water pipes include the following:

Structural damage 

Bursting water pipes can lead to home structural damage. As water floods your home due to bursting, it can damage your doorways, doors, walls, and other parts of your home. 

Mold growth 

Busted water pipes can also result in mold growth which is dangerous for your and your family’s health. Mold will grow in the damp areas of your home. 

Irreparable damage 

Remember that water can be destructive. So, bursting water pipes can destroy your insulation, carpet, heirlooms, electronics, and more. Commonly, these items can’t be repaired once they get in contact with water. 

How to prevent your water pipes from bursting

Bursting water pipes can lead to several problems. Luckily, there are safety precautions to prevent water pipes from bursting. These include the following:

Seal leaks where cold air can enter your home

You can seal leaks that may let cold air in your home where pipes are placed. Check if there are air leaks on dryer vents, pipes, and electrical wiring. You can use insulation or caulk to keep cold out to prevent your pipes from freezing. 

Disconnect the hose from your outside faucet

You should disconnect the hose from your outside faucet to avoid draining out your hose bib as well as freezing and damaging the device.

Check the temperature of your home 

Avoid temperatures dropping below 32 degrees in your home where water pipes are located.

Keep your water faucets from running

You should keep your water faucets running slowly during the cold weather to keep water flowing to avoid the water line from freezing.

Heat tape installation 

You can also use heat tape and install it to warm the pipes in cold weather. If you don’t know how to install it, you can ask for help from a professional plumber. 

Hire an expert plumber

One of the best things to avoid your water pipes from bursting is to hire an expert and knowledgeable plumber, specifically a plumber who specializes in sewer and drain work. They have the best strategies to keep the excellent condition of your water pipes. With this, you can prevent the consequences of bursting water pipes. 

How to know if your water pipes burst

The following are the signs of a broken water pipe:

  • Wall stains. One sign of a busted water pipe is discoloration on your ceilings or walls. It can be caused by leakage or burst pipe. In this case, you should immediately call a plumber to avoid mold growth and further damage.

  • Strange smell from your water pipes. There would be a burst pipe if you observed a strange smell in your water pipes. If this occurs, it’s better to seek the help of a plumber. 

  • Water discoloration. Another sign of a burst water pipe is water discoloration. If you see brownish water running out from your faucets, there can be rust inside the water pipes. It means that there’s corrosion in your pipes. 

  • High water bills. If your water pipes burst, you can be surprised by your high water bills. You need a plumber to inspect your system for possible damage. 

Conclusion         

To conclude, there are several causes for your water pipes to burst. To apply the best treatment and prevention, you must first understand what causes it. It is also critical to seek the assistance of a professional contractor to solve your plumbing issues.

Water pipes are necessary for comfortable home living. To get the most out of it, you should be responsible for its upkeep. Is this article beneficial to you? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Have a Bursting Pipe Problem in Seattle, WA?

If you’re looking for a licensed and insured plumbing company to resolve a bursting pipe problem you may be having in your home, give our plumbers a call at the Pipe Doctor! We provide fast and reliable pipe repair services in the Seattle area at an affordable price. Simply call us at (206) 676-2192!

The Pipe Doctor
12345 Lake City Way Ste 311 Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 676-2192
thepipedr@gmail.com
Location: Seattle, WA, USA

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