Bursting pipes are a common and costly problem that can cause extensive damage to your home and property. Burst pipes can be caused by a variety of factors, including freezing temperatures, corrosion and clogs. In some cases, a pipe may burst without any obvious cause. Knowing what can cause pipes to burst and how to prevent it from happening can help you protect your home from costly repairs and water damage.
Here are some common causes of bursting pipes:
1. Extreme Weather
One of the most common causes of bursting pipes is extreme weather. During winter months, freezing temperatures can cause water in the pipes to freeze, expanding and putting pressure on the pipes. If the pressure is too great, the pipes may burst. Similarly, during summer months, extreme heat can cause pipes to expand, leading to bursting.
2. Poor Installation
Poorly installed pipes can also be a cause of bursting pipes. If a pipe is not properly sealed or connected, it can lead to leaks and ultimately bursting. Poorly installed pipes can also be more prone to damage from extreme weather.
3. Aging Pipes
Aging pipes can also be a cause of bursting pipes. As pipes age, they become more brittle and prone to damage. In particular, pipes that are made of metal are more likely to burst.
How to Prevent Bursting Pipes
Bursting pipes can indeed cause significant damage to your home and belongings, and can be a huge hassle to repair. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to help prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Insulate Your Pipes
One of the best ways to prevent frozen and burst pipes is to insulate them. Pipe insulation sleeves are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. If you have access to the pipes, you can also wrap them with insulation material like fiberglass or foam. This will help keep them warm and prevent them from freezing.
Let Faucets Drip
When temperatures drop, letting your faucets drip slightly can help prevent freezing. This is because the running water helps keep the pipes from getting too cold.
Keep Cabinet Doors Open
If you have pipes in your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, keeping the cabinet doors open can help keep the pipes warm. This is because the air circulation helps keep the pipes warm.
Seal Cracks and Holes
If you have cracks or holes near your pipes, make sure to seal them up with caulk or insulation material. This will help keep cold air out and warm air in, which can help prevent freezing.
Disconnect Garden Hoses
If you have outdoor faucets, make sure to disconnect any garden hoses before the weather gets too cold. This will help reduce the risk of freezing.
What to Do If Your Pipe Bursts
When a pipe bursts in your home, it can cause a lot of damage and disruption. It is important to act quickly and take the necessary steps to stop the water from flowing and repair the damage.
1. Shut off the water: The first step is to shut off the water supply to the pipe. This will prevent any more water from flowing and will reduce the amount of damage that is done. You can find the main water shutoff valve near the water meter or in the basement or crawlspace.
2. Drain the pipe: Once the water is shut off, you can start draining the pipe by opening the closest faucet or drain to allow the water to escape.
3. Call a plumber: After the pipe is drained, it is important to call a plumber right away. A plumber can assess the damage and repair the pipe.
4. Get water damage restoration services: Water damage restoration professionals can help to remove the excess moisture from a building and repair any damage caused by a burst pipe. The process typically involves water extraction, which is the process of removing excess water from a structure, followed by water damage repair and drying. This way, the structure can be restored to its original condition.
The process of repairing water damage involves using special tools to repair any damage caused by the excess water, like walls, floors, and ceiling. After that, the necessary equipment is used to reduce the moisture levels in the area in order to prevent mold and mildew from appearing.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the possible causes of bursting pipes and to take proactive steps to prevent such a situation from happening. Taking the right preventative measures, such as insulating pipes during the winter, regularly checking and maintaining the water pressure, and keeping a watchful eye on older pipes, can help protect your home from the costly and disruptive event of a burst pipe. It’s also important to know who to call for restoration services should a pipe burst.
One Call Services offers water cleanup and other restoration services in California. Our local technicians are available 24/7, so you can contact us for any emergency!
