If you own a home, dealing with plumbing problems like burst pipes is something you’ll likely face at some point.Here’s what to do when it happens.
Finding these issues isn’t always easy without a licensed plumber’s expertise. You might think a minor issue isn’t urgent, assuming it can be fixed later with little trouble. Sadly, that perspective often leads to bigger woes.
Turning a blind eye to obvious signs of a burst pipe spells trouble for your home’s plumbing integrity. It’s best to tackle these issues head-on and without delay.
Let’s look at all the causes of burst pipes, what happens if you ignore them and how to prevent it from happening altogether.
What Causes Pipes To Burst
Leaking pipes can cause issues for many reasons, which is why pinpointing the source of the leak is so difficult. These issues may occur based on the location of the leaking pipe, its age, the surrounding environment or something else entirely.
Here’s a brief overview of why pipes may break apart:
1. Pressure Buildup
High water pressure is a common cause of burst water pipes, causing undue stress on your home’s plumbing system. This is preceded by an unusual banging noise in the damaged pipes that resembles a hammer striking them.
Once you spot the warning signs, you can immediately turn off the water supply and address the issue. The solution to the problem is to install a pressure-reducing valve, which can help mitigate the pressure in the pipes by a significant degree.
2. Clogs
Clogged pipes can burst open due to the presence of debris, tree roots, objects and sewage waste alongside the water. The excessive pressure build-up weakens and subsequently cracks the pipe, causing a massive leak of water.
If you encounter a blocked drain pipe, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to try and clear it.
3. Freezing
During the winter, water in the pipes can partially freeze, clogging them up quite badly. Without proper insulation, this can lead to water pipes bursting due to excessive water pressure build-up.
4. Poor Installation
It happens occasionally when someone performs a shoddy installation job on your plumbing. These issues can significantly weaken your plumbing system, ranging from using poor quality or incorrect parts to rushing the installation. And eventually, this will lead to the pipe bursting open.
5. Weakened Pipes
If your plumbing system has aged enough, there is a chance that it will fail at one point. Older metal pipes may corrode over time, making them much more prone to wear and tear.
Sooner or later, without proper maintenance and regular checks, these plumbing pipes will break apart even if the water pressure is fairly normal.
The Consequences Of Ignoring A Burst Pipe
When a water pipe breaks in the house and causes major water leaks, the result is extreme damage that has far-reaching consequences for you. These issues don’t simply fade away over time; instead, they build up and grow worse in the long run.
Here’s how ignoring signs of a burst pipe under the house can cause significant health, financial and property damage:
1. Health Problems
Water damage facilitates bacterial and fungal growth, which can lead to a number of respiratory issues. And if you or a member of your family suffers from an existing condition like allergies, the problem can become even worse.
The particles released from underground pipe bursts can harm your health. It’s crucial to fix any leaks straightaway.
2. Structural Damage
When a pipe bursts inside a wall, the resulting leak can weaken the surrounding wall and potentially compromise the house’s structural integrity. This is a serious issue that can lead to the entire structure collapsing.
If this occurs, you should call us immediately to dry out the water damage quickly and efficiently.
3. Electrical Issues
Walls often conceal electrical wiring, which can go haywire if a pipe bursts. In such cases, the risk of electrical shocks rises, making it dangerous to tamper with your fixtures.
Plus, there is a risk of electrical fires starting due to a short circuit. The hazard must not be undermined in any circumstances.
4. High Water Bills
Leaking pipes lead to major water leakage, which will cause your water meter to skyrocket. This can also be a tip-off if you don’t already know about the small leak.
Preventing Pipes From Bursting
You can prevent pipes from bursting and causing further damage in several ways. Along with plumbing leading, be sure to perform these simple steps to prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting:
- Insulate your pipes properly
- Use pressure valves to control water pressure
- Keep your home warm to prevent pipes from freezing
- Ensure that your taps are turned off when not in use
- Turn off the water supply when leaving home for an extended period
Never Ignore a Burst Pipe!
Many factors can cause a burst water pipe, with pressure build-up being quite common. Professional plumbers can pinpoint these issues effectively. Keeping water flow in check helps lower the chance of your pipes bursting.
Preventing pipes from bursting is simple: remain vigilant and maintain your plumbing system regularly. Doing so will save money and a precious resource while ensuring your safety and family. It’s a good practice to have a professional look at your pipes at least once a year, so be sure to schedule an inspection.
Dealing with leaking pipes can be tricky and calls for an expert emergency plumber. If you’re on the Sunshine Coast and find yourself in a bind, don’t hesitate to reach out to Big Blue Plumbing! Our experienced team is here to handle your emergencies swiftly. Contact us today for a consultation!
