As a homeowner, you will inevitably deal with plumbing problems, including burst pipes.
The trouble with such issues is that locating them is often difficult without the eye of a licensed plumber. And if minor enough, one may be tempted to ignore it for the time being, assuming that the resulting damage could be mitigated quickly enough. But unfortunately, that could not be farther from the truth.
Ignoring even a minor leak can be bad news for the integrity of your plumbing system and your home. The problems should be addressed as soon as possible.
Let’s look at all the factors that cause a pipe to burst, what happens if you ignore them and how to prevent it from happening altogether.
What Causes Pipes To Burst
Leaking pipes can crack or break 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
Excessive water pressure is a common culprit for 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 pressure-controlling valves, 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 water leak.
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 pressure build-up.
4. Poor Installation
It happens once in a while 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 pipes may corrode over time, making them much more susceptible to significant damage.
Sooner or later, without proper maintenance and regular checks, these pipes will break apart even if the water pressure is fairly normal.
The Consequences Of Ignoring A Burst Pipe
When a pipe breaks and causes major water leaks in your home, 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 leaks 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 the bacterial breeding ground are quite harmful to your health, so a leaking pipe should be fixed immediately.
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 contact a professional immediately to dry out the water damage quickly and efficiently.
3. Electrical Issues
Walls house electrical wirings, which can malfunction in the event of a burst pipe. Electrical shocks become exceedingly likely in such cases, which makes accessing your electrical fixtures dangerous.
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 bill to skyrocket. This can also be a tip-off for you 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 regular maintenance, 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!
Burst pipes are a common issue that can occur for a number of reasons, the chief of which is pressure build-up. By controlling the huge amounts of pressure in your pipes, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of burst pipes.
Preventing pipes from bursting is simple: remaining vigilant and maintaining your plumbing system regularly. And doing so will save money and a precious resource while ensuring your safety and your 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.
Managing leaking pipes is a difficult task requiring a professional plumber’s eye. Should you ever face such an instance, don’t hesitate to call Big Blue Plumbing! You can rely on our licensed plumbers’ efficient and affordable services to easily handle all your plumbing woes. Give us a call today for a consultation!
