It is the season of snowstorms and frost, and your pipes may feel the chill. As temperatures drop on a daily basis, the risk of burst frozen pipes grows higher. Burst pipes can cause flooding within your home, which can, in turn, damage its structure. For example, your floorboards may soften or begin to rot, and your drywall may become spongy.
To fully prepare your plumbing system, you need to know what often causes burst pipes. More importantly, you should know your way around these common causes. This will keep your home dry and your personal property safe, ensuring you have a calm and peaceful winter.
What Are Some Common Burst Pipes Causes?
An unending number of issues could cause a pipe to burst. However, we’ve seen some causes over and over in different homes. Here are some common causes of burst pipes you should look out for:
1. Freezing Temperatures
A temperature below 32 degrees is considered a freezing temperature. There are light, hard, and severe freezes. Hard freezes are between 25 and 28 degrees, while a severe freeze is any temperature below 24 degrees. Your plumbing system is at risk of freezing when temperatures drop and frozen pipes are a common cause of burst pipes.
When your pipes freeze, the water inside them also freezes. Pressure starts to build within the pipe because the water isn’t flowing like it should. Imagine filling a balloon with air. It will hold its shape when you put the right amount of air in. However, it will burst if you fill it with too much air. Your pipes are the same way when they are frozen. If they remain frozen for too long, they will eventually burst and possibly cause a water leak.
The best way to avoid frozen pipes is to insulate pipes prone to freezing, such as outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated spaces. You can choose between foam, rubber, and fiberglass insulation. While different types of pipe insulation materials have pros and cons, foam insulation is often recommended because it is affordable and easy to install. Simply turn the water supply off and slip the insulation over the pipe like a sleeve, and you’re good to go.
2. Clogs or Blockages
Many homeowners are unaware of this, but a clogged pipe can easily burst. Pipes in places such as your kitchen and bathroom are likely to have a clog. This is because grease, hair, and other forms of debris are often washed down the drains. The pipes connected to your toilet may also experience blockages if you flush items that shouldn’t be flushed. For example, flushing sanitary towels or certain wipes can clog your pipes.
Pressure builds up in blocked and clogged drains because, just like in frozen pipes, the water isn’t flowing. This pressure weakens your pipes and causes them to burst. The clog size doesn’t matter because even small clogs can damage your plumbing system.
A drain screen or strainer can catch dirt and debris and prevent it from getting into your pipes. This is especially important for drains in the bathroom and kitchen. To further protect your pipes from bursting, scrape pots and plates into the trash before washing them in your sink. You should also avoid pouring grease down your sink and flushing items that shouldn’t be flushed. You may also opt for regular drain cleaning by a professional plumber.
3. Excessive Water Pressure
Did you know that a really high water pressure can cause your pipes to burst? Many homeowners prefer having high water pressures because they can help reduce water bills. A high water pressure also makes showering enjoyable. However, it is not the best thing for your plumbing system.
Water at high pressures puts a serious strain on pipes and wears them out a lot faster. This is because the water is forcing itself out. If your pipes are constantly exposed to high water pressures, they are more likely to burst and the water will eventually force itself out of the pipe.
Your home’s water pressure should not exceed 500 Kilopascals (kPa), and any pressure above this is considered excessive. A water pressure gauge can help you measure your home’s water pressure. You can also adjust the pressure by turning your water line’s pressure regulator valve counter clockwise.
4. Wear and Tear
Pipes grow old and eventually start to deteriorate. This is the same for all pipes, no matter what material they are made of, although some materials wear out faster than others. When pipes age, they become weaker and more likely to burst. Furthermore, older metal pipes can rust or experience corrosion, increasing the likelihood of bursting.
It is best to replace your pipes every five years or so to avoid serious wear and tear or corrosion. You should have a professional plumber inspect your plumbing system to determine whether the pipes need replacing.
5. Tree Roots
You probably didn’t expect tree roots to make the list of common causes of burst pipes. Tree roots often infiltrate plumbing systems because they can squeeze through small cracks and gaps. When they do so, they grow through the space, clogging and blocking your pipes. Sometimes, the roots spread so far that they completely overwhelm a significant part of your plumbing system.
Roots can clog pipes, causing them to crack or burst. Consider investing in a root barrier system to prevent tree roots from clogging your pipes. These barriers will contain the roots and keep them away from your plumbing system. You should also be careful with the types of trees you plant around your home. Avoid planting large, fast-growing trees around your plumbing system, as they tend to have large root systems.
Where Are Pipes Most Likely To Burst?
Pipes are more likely to burst in unheated spaces, such as basements, crawlspaces, and kitchen cabinets. Additionally, pipes connected to frequently used drains are also likely to burst. For instance, many people wash their hair in the shower weekly. Strands of hair can make their way into the drain and clog it. This clog then builds pressure within the pipe connected to that drain and causes it to burst.
Conclusion
Winter, clogs, and tree roots can cause damage to your plumbing system, leading to burst pipes and water damage. While knowing the causes of burst pipes is important, it is more important to know how to avoid them. Try insulating your outdoor pipes before winter rolls around, and place mesh covers over your drains to catch debris.
Additionally, call a plumber to examine and maintain your plumbing system regularly. This helps you avoid getting stuck with old, rusty, or corroded pipes. It also reduces the chances of having a burst pipe in your home.
If you are dealing with a burst pipe, you will also have to deal with a burst pipe insurance claim afterward. However, you can hire a public adjuster to take the claim off your hands. On-Site Adjusting helps you avoid frustrating and winding claims processes with our negotiation and management skills. Give us a call today to experience speedy and satisfactory claims.
