Common Causes of Burst Pipes

​If you’ve ever had burst pipes in your home, you know how much of a headache it can be. Not only do you have to deal with the water damage, but you also have to get the plumbing fixed as soon as possible. But what exactly causes burst pipes in the first place?  Continue reading this blog post to find out what some of the most common reasons are :

 

1. Frozen pipes. This is probably the most common cause of burst pipes. When water freezes, it expands and puts a lot of pressure on the pipes. Eventually, the pipes will burst from the pressure.

2. Clogged pipes. If your pipes are clogged with debris, it can put a lot of strain on the pipes. This can eventually lead to the pipes bursting.

3. Poor quality pipes. If your pipes are made from poor quality materials, they are more likely to burst. This is why it’s important to use high quality pipes in your home.

4. High water pressure. If your water pressure is too high, it can put a lot of stress on the pipes. This can eventually lead to the pipes bursting. A pressure reducing valve should be installed by a professional plumber to prevent this from happening.

To avoid having your pipes burst, it’s important to be aware of these common causes. If you suspect that your pipes might be frozen, clogged, or under too much pressure, you should contact a plumber to investigate.

 

How to Identify Burst Pipes

​One of the most common problems that homeowners face are burst pipes. This can cause extensive damage to your home and can be very costly to repair. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that can help you identify a burst pipe before it does too much damage.

One of the most obvious signs of a burst pipe is water leaking from the affected area. If you see water spilling out from under a sink, from a crack in the wall, or from any other area, it’s likely that you have a burst pipe.

Another sign is a sudden decrease in water pressure. This can be due to a number of factors, but if you notice a sudden drop in water pressure, it’s worth checking for a burst pipe.

If you hear strange noises coming from your pipes, this may also be a sign that you have a burst pipe. You might hear water rushing or gurgling, which are both indicative of a problem.

Finally, if you see any signs of mold or mildew, this could be due to water leakage from a burst pipe. Mold and mildew thrive in moist environments, so if you see these signs, it’s important to check for a burst pipe.

If you suspect that you have a burst pipe, it’s important to take action immediately. Shut off the water to your home and call your local plumber The sooner you take action, the less damage will be caused by any burst pipes.

 

Fixing Burst Pipes

​You need to act fast to minimize the damage. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Turn off the water: This is the first and most important step. Locate the main water shut-off valve and turn it off. If you can’t find it or if it’s not working, you’ll need to call a plumber.

2. Once the water is turned off, open the taps to drain the pipe.

3. Fix the leak: You’ll need to repair or replace the section of pipe that’s leaking. This is best done by a professional, but if you’re feeling confident, you can try it yourself.

4. Turn the water back on: Once the leak is fixed, turn the water back on and check for leaks. If all is well, you’re done! If not, you’ll need to call a plumber.

Burst pipes can be a real pain, but they don’t have to be. With a little knowledge and some quick action, you can fix them yourself.

 

Minimizing Damage from Burst Pipes

​A burst pipe is one of the most common and most destructive plumbing disasters. Water can cause extensive damage to your home in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to minimize the damage from a burst pipe.

The first step is to shut off the water to the affected area. This will stop the flow of water and prevent further damage.

Once the water is shut off, you can start to clean up the mess. Remove any standing water from the affected area and dry it out as much as possible.

If the water has soaked into carpets or other porous materials, you may need to remove and replace them. Water can cause mold growth which can be a health hazard.

If the burst pipe was caused by a frozen pipe, you will need to thaw it out before you can repair it. You can use a hair dryer or a heat lamp to thaw a frozen pipe. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe as this can cause a fire.

Once the pipe is thawed, you can repair the leak. If the leak is in a joint, you may be able to simply tighten the fitting. If the pipe is cracked or split, you will need to replace the damaged section.

Burst pipes are a plumbing nightmare, but by taking these steps you can minimize the damage to your home.

 

Insulating Pipes to Prevent Further Damage

​If your pipes have already frozen and burst, there’s not much you can do at that point except clean up the mess and wait for the repair bill. However, if you want to avoid having to deal with burst pipes in the first place, there are some precautions you can take. One of the most important is insulating your pipes.

The idea behind pipe insulation is simple: keep the heat in. In the winter, that means keeping your pipes from freezing. When water freezes, it expands, and that can cause all sorts of problems, ranging from a small crack to a major rupture. By insulating your pipes, you can help prevent them from freezing in the first place.

Turning Off the Water Main

​If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your home’s water main. But, this little pipe is actually a really important part of your home’s plumbing system.

Unfortunately, sometimes water mains can burst. This can cause major damage to your home and it can be really expensive to fix. That’s why it’s important to know how to turn off your water main in the event of a burst pipe.

If you’re not sure where your water main is, the best thing to do is to call your local water utility company. They can help you locate the shut-off valve for your home. Once you’ve found the shut-off valve, it’s important to familiarize yourself with it so that you know how to turn it off in an emergency.

If you have a burst pipe, the first thing you should do is to turn off the water main. This will help to minimize the amount of damage that can be caused. Then, you can call a plumber to come and fix the problem.

Knowing how to turn off your water main can save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the event of a burst pipe. So, take the time to familiarize yourself with your home’s water shut-off valve and be prepared for anything!

 

Conclusion

As you are now aware, minimizing the risk of burst pipes is essential. If the pipes are exposed to cold temperatures, get them insulated. It is essential to find out where the cold mains shut off valve is in your property as this could save you a lot of time and hassle having to pay a plumber to come fix a water leak.

If you see any signs of dampness in the walls or ceiling, don’t ignore this as it could be the start of a leak. Call your local plumber to come and investigate!

We hope that you got some value from reading our blog post, please share with friends or family on your social media feed.