by Nothing cools down a hot summer day like a refreshing shower. However, if your pipes burst due to weather-related issues or plumbing negligence, you may be left with more than an unpleasant mess, as they can cause major property damage and costly repairs. While piping failures are never ideal, understanding what causes them and how to prevent them can help save you from further loss. In this article, with the help of Robinson Restoration Services in Portland, we’ll discuss the common reasons for pipe bursting, how to recognize the signs of a damaged pipe, and some preventive measures you can take. Read on to find out.
When temperatures drop below freezing, the water expands, and if it happens inside plumbing pipes, the pressure might be too much for them to handle. Fortunately, there are many preventative measures one can take to keep their water pipes from freezing, such as keeping the heater on in your house, allowing small drips from the kitchen or bathroom taps, and insulating the pipes from cold drafts outside. However, when your pipes may already have frozen and burst, turning off the water supply and thawing them is essential. After this is done, it is highly suggested to call in a plumber to inspect all pipe damage to minimize future issues.
Metal water pipes naturally corrode over time as anti-corrosive treatments wear off, making them weaker and reducing their pressure tolerance. Causes such as high temperature, minerals, or acidity in the water can lead to corrosion and should, therefore, be avoided when possible. Although corrosion cannot be avoided entirely, there are some preventive measures one can take to slow it down, such as treating the water to minimize corrosive agents and not overheating the water beyond 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also essential to replace already corroded pipes to prevent them from bursting.
Age is one of the most common culprits when it comes to burst pipes, as even materials meant to withstand the test of time can deteriorate with age. This weakens the pipes and makes them more exposed to damage like if high water pressure suddenly overbears the pipes, they can easily burst due to their weakened state. To help prevent this from happening, make sure you are aware of the lifespan and condition of your plumbing pipes so that you can replace them as necessary. However, despite taking all the necessary precautions, sometimes burst pipes just occur without warning signs, but at least you can be more prepared in such cases.
Clogged pipes can be a real nightmare. Whether it’s food or toys, hair or paper, when anything other than water gets stuck in the pipes, the pressure starts to build up. Left unchecked, that build-up can result in your pipes bursting and causing significant damage – and cost. The best thing you can do is to be vigilant; if there are any signs of reduced pressure when you turn on the faucet, call a professional immediately so they can get on top of it before it’s too late. Regular maintenance may seem like an unnecessary hassle now, but one day, it’ll save you from an even more frustrating experience.
Too much water pressure can lead to bursting pipes, which is why it’s important to keep an eye on it. High water pressure from your utility company, clogged pipes, or an improperly adjusted pressure valve are all possible causes. To reduce pressure, you might need to modify the water pressure valve, install a water pressure regulator, or have a plumber clean or replace affected pipes. If nothing else works and you have sudden high pressure that you can’t control – shut off your water and call for emergency plumbing services.
From shifting soils to earth tremors, ground movements pose a major threat to buried plumbing pipes. Without proper drainage, water saturation can cause the soil below a pipe to sink and thus drag the pipe along with it. Unfortunately, there’s usually not much that can be done about the earth’s movements – they’re out of our control! However, taking preventative measures such as having a plumber check for any damage after potential movements may go a long way towards avoiding burst pipes.
Water pipes bursting is a plumbing nightmare that no one wants to experience. The resulting flood of water can damage your home, ruin your possessions, and cost you a lot of money to repair. But with a little preventive maintenance and some quick action, if you have a pipe burst, you can minimize the damage and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
