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Our homes function smoothly with a proper pipe system, whether water or drain pipes.
However, changing weather, such as torrential rain, cold weather, and summer heat, can cause the pipe to burst over time. Other factors, such as improper installation, careless use, and more, can cause it to explode. Many of these are preventable if some measures are taken in advance to prepare against them.
This article will elaborate on some reasons and steps to reduce the risk of burst pipes and help prevent this plumbing issue.
A burst pipe can be costly, as the water leaking can compromise the structural integrity of your home. As such, preventing them before they can cause such damage is essential. One way to do that would be to insulate your plumbing system properly when you install it.
As the weather changes from hot to cold temperatures, your pipes will shrink and expand, which can cause burst pipes later. Properly insulating them with materials like foam insulation will prevent the pipes from being exposed to cold air and reduce any risk of burst pipes.
Insulating pipes effectively maintains consistent temperatures within them, preventing expansion and contraction that can lead to cracks, leaks, or complete bursts over time. Taking this precaution during installation can save you from costly repairs and water damage.
Another common cause of burst pipes is incorrect water pressure. If the water pressure changes suddenly, your pipes can burst. A simple solution is to install a pressure gauge. Once installed, the gauge will provide a reading of the water pressure in your pipe.
It is recommended that water pressure be maintained between 30 and 50 psi (pounds per square inch). If the reading exceeds 60 psi, a plumber must be called to install a valve and reduce the pressure.
During periods of extreme cold, you can also keep pipes warmer and less prone to freezing. Allow warm air to circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms. You can also wrap pipes with insulation or heat cables. Taking preventative measures helps avoid the mess and expense of burst pipes.
Over time, pipes rust and corrode, especially if exposed to hard water. As corrosion and rust build-up, they will block your pipes, causing them to burst or be blocked. It is a problem that is not preventable but can be slowed down. Treating your water with chlorination is one way to prevent it from rusting and leading to corroded pipes.
Pipes that are buried outside the home for the garage or shed can burst as the ground shifts around it because of external factors. It can happen due to construction or landscaping work nearby. Natural causes like seismic activity can also change the ground position and cause damage.
Also, changing temperatures can cause the pipes to expand and contract, leading to burst pipes. This is often caused if the pipes are not buried deep. Therefore, when installing them, it is essential to bury your pipes properly to prevent them from soil damage.
Other than water pipes, drainage pipes can also burst due to clogging. As debris collects in pipes, they get clogged, causing water to back up and burst at weak areas. To prevent such problems, use a mesh drain cover over your sink, bathtubs, and showers to catch any waste. In addition, do not use your kitchen sink for garbage disposal; throw big bones and food waste in it, and include it as part of your regular cleaning process.
You are also recommended to occasionally pour hot water, baking soda, and vinegar down your drain. This will help clean your drain without damaging its construction.
The most common cause of burst pipes is poor installation during the early stages of construction. If experienced plumbers do not install your pipes, their soldering can get loose and burst easily. Therefore, it is recommended that you hire a good plumbing service during the construction of your home to avoid any future pipe burst issues.
As human beings, we often make mistakes. We might step on exposed pipes as we do other work. We could also use these exposed pipes to hang things. All these must be avoided at all costs, as slight external pressure can cause the pipes to break. Also, when renovating parts of the house, one should check the pipe plans to avoid any damage to hidden pipes in the walls or floors.
Pipes outside the house can also be damaged by nature, like pressure from tree roots. As the trees around your house grow bigger, their roots will also expand. These roots can exert extreme pressure on your pipes, causing them to burst. So, any shrubs or trees growing too close to your pipes should be removed and shifted to prevent such issues.
A burst pipe can ruin your day by filling your house with water. It creates an unhealthy mess, and cleaning it up is a drag. So, follow the above advice to prevent any risk of burst pipes.
However, it might be so that your pipes will burst despite all efforts to prevent it. The pipes might be too old to bear the flowing water pressure and get damaged. Additionally, to take up some of these preventive measures, you might require professional help. In such a case, it is best to call a skilled plumbing service instead of fixing it yourself.
Need help with a burst pipe in the Gold Coast? Our plumbing experts at Gold Coast Plumbing Company have a team of emergency plumbers ready to solve your bursts or broken pipes. So, give us a call today!
