Key Points
- Frozen water exerts pressure on the pipes.
- Old metal pipes have rust, and this makes them weak.
- Pressure above 80 PSI ruins the joints and seals.
- Check the water pipes to prevent problems from growing.
- Turn off the main valve of the water system if any pipe bursts.
Introduction
Did you wake up with the sound of water running? You get up quickly to see where this water is coming from. Somehow, you find out a pipe has burst and water is flowing all over your kitchen or bathroom. This is a terrible problem.
People often panic because they don’t know what they should do. Don’t stress. This is common, and it can be fixed. Water can ruin the furniture or items in your house. This is why you should close the valve immediately if you see a pipe leak.
Let’s get to the main issue. Why do pipes burst? Check out the important causes of burst pipes below. Learn these helpful tips to prevent this problem.
Causes of Pipe Bursts: The Common Culprits
Plumbing pipes are tough. They can handle gallons of water every day, but sometimes they can crack. Winter plumbing problems have numerous causes.
Freezing
The major cause of burst pipes is freezing. This happens in areas with a cold climate. You know that snow is a major problem no matter where it is. Water freezes in the pipes due to low temperatures. This is a common reason. Ice has more volume than water, and it puts pressure on the pipe. Strong pressure can cause leaks.
High Water Pressure
Do you feel the pressure in your house taps is too high? Sometimes, the external pressure is high enough to cause pipe bursts. It can happen due to any problem with the water systems. The usual water pressure ranges between 40 and 80 PSI. A value higher than this causes stress to the pipes. The weakest point of the pipe, such as a joint, will eventually fail.
Old Age and Corrosion
Like anything else, pipes get old. Old houses used galvanized steel and copper pipes. These minerals corrode due to moisture. The material gradually wears off, and the pipe becomes fragile. This is common with anything made of metal because metal rusts after some years. You should know about protecting your plumbing system during seasonal weather changes.
Clogs and Blockages
An average sink clog does not look like a big deal, but what happens if too much hair and debris collect? The accumulation can cause water to back up. This creates “backpressure.” Water does not find space to move, so it compresses. It puts pressure on the pipe walls. The plumbing system fails when the water pressure gets extremely high.
Tree Roots
Trees can also be a cause of water problems. Sounds weird? Roots will start growing to find water for the plant. Trees discover if there is a small leakage where water comes through. They can even grow into the pipe. The roots will crush or burst the pipe when they grow longer.
How to Prevent the Mess?
Before we talk about fixing burst pipes, you have to prevent them. Prevention is more important than cure. Pipes don’t have big maintenance requirements. Here are some tips to protect your house. Also know about signs your plumbing system needs immediate attention.
Protect Your Pipes During Winter
Winter and snow can make small problems bigger. You have to be careful if winter is coming. Follow these simple steps to stay away from expensive repairs.
- Cover the pipes: Some pipes in the attic and garage are above the ground. Insulate these pipes to prevent leaks.
- Heating: People turn off the thermostat when they are on holiday. Don’t make this mistake because water can freeze in low temperatures.
- Open Cabinet Doors: The house has warm air, and it should reach the pipes. Open the doors of the cabinets that have the water pipes.
- Drain garden hoses: Water should not collect in the hose. If this water freezes, the extra pressure can cause leaks in pipes.
General Maintenance Tips for Good Plumbing
You don’t have to wait for winter to maintain your plumbing. The water system has to work in all seasons. Here are a few tips:
- Check water pressure: You can purchase a simple pressure gauge to check the pressure. If it says too high pressure, use a pressure regulator to resolve it.
- Don’t flush everything: No one should flush grease or wipes in the toilet. They cause clogs that become bursts.
- Regular inspection: Call a professional team to check the plumbing system of your house. They can spot the problems early. signs of rust.
Signs of a Burst Pipe
Sometimes, the pipe has become weak, but it has not burst yet. This is the time you have to be careful. Here are some signs of weak pipes. You need plumbing pipe maintenance if you notice these problems.
- Discolored water: Brown-colored water indicates the rusting of metal pipes.
- Low water pressure: Low water pressure may imply that water is being lost from a crack.
- Wet spots on your walls: This is an obvious red flag. It’s a warning that you have a pipe leaking under the drywall.
- High water bills: If your bill goes up and you haven’t used extra water, there is probably a hidden leak.
Choose Tarzia Plumbing and Heating to Fix Burst Pipes
Trust Tarzia Plumbing and Heating to fix plumbing problems at your house. We know exactly how to solve these big problems immediately. Our team has years of experience in this niche, so they can fix frozen winter pipes and old pipes with rust. We offer emergency pipe repair, so your water can be stopped.
Our residential plumbers in Stamford, CT, make sure that your entire home is secure. We value your house and your safety. When you have a pipe burst at 3 am or need a check-up to prevent future leaks, our team of professionals is here to provide the solution. Contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does homeowners’ insurance cover burst pipes?
Yes, insurance policies often cover damage due to a burst pipe. However, they will not pay the repair costs. You have to check your insurance policy statement to find the exact answer.
Can a small leak become a burst pipe?
Yes, a small leak is a signal to pay attention. The metal or plastic gets worn away over time by the water. Ultimately, the vulnerable point will break.
What is the most effective way to find an invisible leak?
Check the water meter when nobody is using water. If the dial continues to move, there is a leak. You should check the wet areas in your walls or ceilings.
