The plumbing pipes ensure a constant water supply around your property. Therefore, a pipe burst could spell disaster for your home. For example, a burst pipe may cause significant water damage to your home’s foundation, costing you a fortune to fix. Burst pipes also cause water wastage, resulting in higher water bills.
Discover some common causes of burst pipes and what you can do to stop the issues.
Plumbing pipes have a specific lifespan, which may vary based on the material and exposure to elements. When the pipes exceed this time limit, the water lines cannot take the constant pressure and are more likely to burst.
Therefore, if you have had your plumbing pipes for many years, let a plumber check the pipes’ condition for signs of wear and tear. Then, the professional can recommend that you replace the old plumbing pipes with newer, more durable materials.
Plumbing pipes have a specific lifespan, which may vary based on the material and exposure to elements. When the pipes exceed this time limit, the water lines cannot take the constant pressure and are more likely to burst.
Therefore, if you have had your plumbing pipes for many years, let a plumber check the pipes’ condition for signs of wear and tear. Then, the professional can recommend that you replace the old plumbing pipes with newer, more durable materials.
An unusually high-water pressure for an extended period can cause pipes to burst, as the metal or plastic cannot take the strain any longer. As a result, the pipes will first burst at their weakest points, and eventually, the entire line can break, resulting in a significant water flood.
The maximum recommended water pressure for your home is approximately 75 psi. And you can ensure that the pressure does not exceed this value by installing a pressure-reducing valve. This device automatically keeps the water pressure at a desirable level and will also extend the life of your pipes. But you still need to contact a plumber for regular check-ups to ensure the valve works correctly.
Any standing water in the pipes can freeze and expand when the temperature drops below freezing point. The expansion may put excess strain on the lines and cause them to burst.
The tricky part about burst pipes due to frozen water lines is that the problem is not easily noticeable until it is too late. The reason is that you notice wet spots or flooding when the temperature rises, ice melts, and water can escape.
The easiest way to prevent frozen water lines is to contact a plumber for heating tape installation around the pipes. Heating tape wraps around the pipes and keeps them warm at all times, so there is no risk of freezing.
As the roots search for water, they may break through the pipes and cause the water lines to break.
The secret to preventing tree root activity in your pipes is to watch the distance between the tree and your plumbing network. Choose a landscaping design that keeps trees away from the lines and if you suspect that you already have a tree root problem, invest in professional inspection to establish the extent of the damage. Plumbers use camera inspection tools to check if roots have invaded your pipes and decide the best action.
External damage is often the result of human error. For instance, suppose you are renovating your bathroom, and the plumber accidentally hits a pipe with a shovel. Or, you may be digging and unknowingly pierce through one of the pipes. Additionally, car wheels running over the pipes can cause them to burst.
To prevent external damage, try to be mindful of your surroundings. For example, keep an eye out for any signs of a potential pipe breakage, and stay away from areas where you suspect there are essential plumbing lines.
Burst plumbing pipes can cause a huge mess in your home. But now that you understand the potential culprits, you can take the necessary steps to prevent them from happening. First, ensure your pipes are in good condition and contact a plumber for regular inspections.
You can trust us at Quality Plumbing for all your plumbing needs. Our experienced plumbers can help you protect and maintain your pipes so that you don’t have to worry about surprises. Contact us for a consultation.
The total process from booking a service call, by phone, to the installation of a steel reinforced waterline hose on our refrigerator, was a pleasurable experience. A retired plumber recommended QP. Jeff had to pull out the refrigerator, remove the plastic waterline, install the new waterline, check to make sure the water dispenser was working and put the refrigerator back. Jeff was careful and mindfull of our wooden floor as the refrigerator was in a built-in cabinet. Since we live in a condo we want to eliminate all possibilities for a water leak. Jeff not only did his skillful job, he also educated us on the different water supply lines. I would recommend QP.
- Janeine G.
Quality Plumbing did a rough-in plumbing install for a bathroom and kitchen sink in my basement. Very communicative, helped plan the space, and did a great job on the install. Will be using them again!
- Ian H.
Called them when my water heater broke, they were over same day with a new one. Logan is great, he's fixed a couple things over the last year and is always professional and informative.
- Nick B.
Quality plumbing is amazing 👏 when my brothers home had a problem with water pressure, they were able to schedule quickly, identify the problem and provide cost effective solutions quickly. When they did the work, they were on time on budget and cleaned up everything afterwards. Thank you for your great service Quality Plumbing! …
- Rich R.
Quality Plumbing is my go-to plumbing company for all my projects. I had one big project and after meeting Jeff, I’ve specifically requested him to come out for my other 2 projects. He’s incredibly punctual, efficient, and keeps the area nice and clean. Great to communicate with and provides clear answers to all my questions. Jeff is very professional and knowledgeable in his craft. Every time I call, Delaney will always pick up my phone calls and get me scheduled right away. Never had great success with plumbing companies until I started working with Quality Plumbing. They have unbeatable prices and will provide you with an honest solution to your problems. Highly recommend choosing Quality Plumbing!
- Alex D.
The total process from booking a service call, by phone, to the installation of a steel reinforced waterline hose on our refrigerator, was a pleasurable experience. A retired plumber recommended QP. Jeff had to pull out the refrigerator, remove the plastic waterline, install the new waterline, check to make sure the water dispenser was working and put the refrigerator back. Jeff was careful and mindfull of our wooden floor as the refrigerator was in a built-in cabinet. Since we live in a condo we want to eliminate all possibilities for a water leak. Jeff not only did his skillful job, he also educated us on the different water supply lines. I would recommend QP.
- Janeine G.
Quality Plumbing did a rough-in plumbing install for a bathroom and kitchen sink in my basement. Very communicative, helped plan the space, and did a great job on the install. Will be using them again!
- Ian H.
Called them when my water heater broke, they were over same day with a new one. Logan is great, he's fixed a couple things over the last year and is always professional and informative.
- Nick B.
Quality plumbing is amazing 👏 when my brothers home had a problem with water pressure, they were able to schedule quickly, identify the problem and provide cost effective solutions quickly. When they did the work, they were on time on budget and cleaned up everything afterwards. Thank you for your great service Quality Plumbing! …
- Rich R.
Quality Plumbing is my go-to plumbing company for all my projects. I had one big project and after meeting Jeff, I’ve specifically requested him to come out for my other 2 projects. He’s incredibly punctual, efficient, and keeps the area nice and clean. Great to communicate with and provides clear answers to all my questions. Jeff is very professional and knowledgeable in his craft. Every time I call, Delaney will always pick up my phone calls and get me scheduled right away. Never had great success with plumbing companies until I started working with Quality Plumbing. They have unbeatable prices and will provide you with an honest solution to your problems. Highly recommend choosing Quality Plumbing!
- Alex D.