What are the major causes of burst water pipes?
Burst water pipes can be any homeowner’s worst nightmare. The resulting water leakages can result in hefty repairs. At times, you will only notice some reduced water pressure but deep inside, the water leak may be damaging the foundation of your house or accumulating harmful mold and mildew.
When water pipes burst and result in flooding, everything from the doors to the walls and ceilings sustain significant damages. To prevent water pipes from bursting, you must be aware of what causes this issue in the first place. And that’s what we’re going to discuss in this post.
Here are six reasons why water pipes burst.
Aged Pipework and Corrosion
Whether the pipes are made of steel or plastic, they are designed to last for a limited period depending on their exposure to external elements and whether they are regularly maintained. Old pipework (more than 30 years old) is prone to corrosion and damage and consequent bursting simply because they have done too much work over the years. They may break and burst open at the slightest increase in pressure.
Frozen Water in Pipes
In areas where temperatures decrease, the water running through the pipes is capable of freezing. As more and more water freezes and starts gathering in one portion of the pipe, the pressure in that area increases. When it becomes too high, the pipe will burst.
Clogging
Clogs inside water pipes can occur due to the accumulation of minerals. If there is a major buildup inside the pipe, it will hinder the water flow and increase the pressure on the pipe. In severe cases, the pipe will crack and burst open, leading to water leakage.
Tree Root Encroachment
If there are old and large trees around your house, there’s always a possibility that their roots will grow too deep and make contact with underground objects such as water pipes. In most cases, water pipes are not strong enough to stop tree roots from encroaching. This can result in the pipes getting cracked and eventually bursting.
Improper Pipe Connections
Pipe connections are one of the most vulnerable points of the entire pipework. If they are made improperly or are weak, they can result in extreme pressure inside the pipes. This acts as the immediate cause of a pipe burst in case of even a slight increase in pressure.
Very High Water Pressure
Water pipes are designed to withstand a certain level of pressure, which is usually labeled on them. Most water pipes work at a pressure of around 40-45 psi. The water pressure should never go beyond 60 psi. If it does, it increases the risk of the pipe bursting.
To Sum Up
Burst water pipes are an unpleasant and, oftentimes, a costly experience. If you notice any water leakage around your house, contact reliable water damage repair and restoration professionals at your earliest.
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