How to Prevent a Pipe That Bursts
During freezing winter temperatures pipes that run along exterior walls or in unheated areas are at a high risk of burst. Taking preventative measures to keep the water flowing can help minimize the risk.
Large puddles are one common indicator of a burst pipe. Other indicators include water smells, discolored water and low water pressure.
Frozen Water
When water in pipes freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the pipe walls. If the pipe isn't strong enough to hold that pressure, it will eventually rupture. Frozen water is a common problem for homeowners, especially in areas with cold winter weather. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent frozen water from causing burst pipes.
The first thing to do when a pipe is suspect is to turn off the water supply to the area of the home affected. If there's no obvious leak from the burst pipe, check the faucets to see if they're functioning. If only a trickle of water is coming out, or if the faucet has no water pressure at all, it's likely a pipe has burst and needs to be fixed.
Water pipes that are exposed or in unheated areas of the house are more likely to freeze than those that are insulated. Those that run along exterior walls are especially vulnerable, as are those in crawl spaces, basements and attics. Plumbers Bucks County PA recommends checking your house's insulation before the winter arrives, and having professionals come to inspect the plumbing system.
A common misconception is that water freezes and bursts because ice expands in place, but that's actually not the case. The real reason pipes freeze and burst is because ice forms a blockage that prevents any unfrozen water from passing through. This builds tremendous pressure between the ice blockage and the closed faucet.
If the ice blocks the entire pipe, it will eventually collapse and burst. The resulting water will flood the surrounding area and can cause considerable damage. If the water hasn't already flooded your home, it will quickly become a costly problem to fix. Plumbers Bucks County PA can help you find potential problem areas in your house and give you tips on how to prevent freezing pipes from occurring in the future. By taking a proactive approach to your home's plumbing, you can save yourself a lot of stress, money and damage. If you do experience a pipe burst, it's best to call for emergency services as soon as possible.
Clogs
A pipe that bursts can be a serious problem for a homeowner, especially when it is located in an area of the home where water damage occurs. The first step in limiting the damage is to turn off the water supply at the main house valve. Once this is done, call Plumbers Bucks County PA immediately. Plumbers Bucks County PA can quickly locate the broken pipe and repair it.
In many cases, clogs are the culprit of pipes that burst. As the water moves through the pipes, minerals build up on their inner surfaces. These deposits create a clog that causes the water to pressure outward against the walls of the pipe, eventually breaking it open.
Clogs can also be caused by items that are dropped down a drain or toilet. While most people know not to drop their cell phones in the toilet, they do still happen from time to time. When this happens, the phone can become jammed in a drain and if it is not removed promptly, the phone can corrode and break apart.
Another common cause of clogs is hair. Hair can clog the drain if it gets stuck in the water flow. This can be prevented by installing a mesh drain cover in showers and bathtubs.
Water pipes are designed to withstand a specific amount of pressure. However, if the amount of water exceeds this limit, it can cause the pipe to rupture. This can occur due to many reasons, including ground movements, old pipes, and improper pipe layering.
Corrosion of pipes is another common reason for them to burst. This occurs when the metal in the pipe erodes, either from rust or from acidic or basic water. The weakened metal can then break under the stress of high water pressure.
To avoid this, homeowners should have their pipes inspected regularly by a plumber to ensure they are not leaking or corroding. Taking preventive measures, such as installing a water treatment system, can reduce the risk of corrosion and keep your pipes in good condition.
High Water Pressure
Pipes are designed to withstand a significant amount of pressure, but they can be subjected to too much stress in certain scenarios. This can lead to a burst pipe that results in expensive water damage and repairs. Knowing the most common causes of burst pipes can help you prevent the problem from happening in your home or business.
Older pipes are more likely to break down due to age and wear and tear. They can become brittle and bust under even the slightest pressure, so it’s important to replace them with newer, more durable pipes as soon as possible. It’s also recommended to install a pressure regulator to keep water pressure at a safe level.
Improperly installed or faulty plumbing can also cause water pipes to burst. This is often caused by a poor soldering job, loose connections or an unequal subjection to water pressure. If you suspect any issues with your plumbing, have a licensed plumber inspect and repair them immediately to avoid problems down the road.
Over time, hard water can deposit a variety of minerals into your plumbing system. These can accumulate over time and narrow the diameter of your pipes, causing them to overwork themselves under high water pressure. If you have a lot of hard water in your home, it’s important to install a water softener to reduce the impact on your pipes.
Another common cause of bursting water pipes is tree roots. As trees grow, their roots extend further into the soil and may reach other underground entities, including your water pipes. The constant pressure of root growth can eventually cause the pipes to crack or burst. This is why it’s important to plant your trees far away from your plumbing system.
Water pipe leaks can be a serious issue that causes costly water damage and can even cause mold to grow in your home or business. If you think you have a burst pipe, turn off your home’s water supply and contact a licensed plumber right away. You should also take steps to mitigate any water damage, such as turning off electric appliances near the affected area and removing any items that could be harmed by water.
Loose Connections
While pipes often burst because of corrosion, faulty installation can also be the culprit. A botched soldering job can create loose connections that can ultimately cause a pipe to burst. This is particularly common in homes with older copper pipes. While it isn't impossible to repair a loose connection, it's best to replace it as soon as possible.
If you suspect a loose connection, it's important to have it professionally fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costly water leaks. Plumbers Bucks County PA can tighten the loose connection and make sure all of the connections are sealed properly to prevent further leaks.
In addition to being dangerous, water pipe bursting can lead to indoor flooding that puts your family and your belongings at risk. You can help to prevent loose water supply lines from bursting by opening cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach these areas, and by removing hazardous cleaning products from under sinks.
You can also call Plumbers Bucks County PA for inspection to catch a problem before it turns into a burst pipe. These inspections typically include a visual check of the entire plumbing system, checking all fittings for proper installation and alignment. Plumbers Bucks County PA can also conduct a water flow test to measure the pressure at each fixture in your home, identify any problems and recommend solutions.
A burst pipe can quickly flood a home, damaging flooring and furniture and leaving behind mold and mildew. These issues can be much more difficult to clean up and repair than a simple water leak. That's why it's so important to catch any problems before they become a burst pipe.
The first step is to shut off the water at the main water valve in your house. If you don't have this, you can always turn off the water at the meter itself. Next, you should run each water fixture in your home and listen for any unusual sounds. If you hear clanging or dripping, that's a good sign that there may be a broken pipe somewhere in your home.
During freezing winter temperatures pipes that run along exterior walls or in unheated areas are at a high risk of burst. Taking preventative measures to keep the water flowing can help minimize the risk. Large puddles are one common indicator of a burst pipe. Other indicators include water smells, discolored water and low water pressure.…