Causes of Burst Pipes

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Pipes with corrosion can cause a big leak in your home

With all the joys of being a homeowner in Edmond, OK, there are some downsides when it comes to nature interacting with your home's hidden plumbing. If a pipe burst happens, it can be easy to become confused and frustrated with the flooding that occurs. However, there are ways to avoid this problem.

Causes of Pipe Breaks

In addition to freezing conditions, there are three other culprits that can cause a big leak:

• Tree Roots – Trees love water, and the roots tend to find their way directly to a source. Over time, these roots can cause a weak spot to happen in the water line or loosen a connector. As the roots grow, they can eventually tighten enough to burst a pipe.
  
• Corrosion – While newer homes may not face this problem, older ones typically have older systems. Technology has come a long way, which means those homes built before 1970 may not have corrosion-resistant piping.
  
• Collapsed Pipe – Settling, construction and other events can impact a piping system. If there is increased weight, it could result in a collapse.
  

Preventive Steps

While in some cases a pipe burst may be out of your control, there are some simple things to do to prevent it from happening:

During freezing cold weather, let a faucet drip. This slight extra water flow can help reduce the chances of the line freezing.
Ensure pipes are insulated. If they are exposed, they are more likely to freeze. Additionally, even in the summer, underground pipes can get become too cold and expand, eventually bursting.
Seal any cracks or air leaks throughout your home. Keeping the cold air out of the home will help protect the plumbing inside.
Once cold weather is on its way, disconnect any outside hoses from the spigots.
Consider the air flow around your kitchen. If it seems colder under the sink, leave a cabinet door open to warm the air.
Understand where your pipes are and keep that area of the home above freezing.

If a pipe burst does happen, you don’t have to go it alone. Count on water damage restoration professionals who are Here to Help.