Burst pipes are a common yet costly and inconvenient problem that many homeowners face, especially during colder months. A burst pipe can lead to extensive water damage, high repair costs, and significant disruption to daily life. While freezing temperatures are a primary culprit, there are other factors at play that can cause pipes to burst. Understanding these causes can help you prevent this issue from happening and save yourself from the stress of emergency repairs.
In this blog, we will explore what causes a burst pipe, the reasons your pipes can burst, and how to prevent such incidents from occurring.
What Causes a Burst Pipe?
A burst pipe happens when the pressure inside the pipe exceeds the pipe’s capacity to contain it, leading to a rupture. While cold weather is often associated with this problem, the reasons your pipes can burst are more varied than many people realize. Let’s dive into the most common causes of burst pipes.
Freezing Temperatures
One of the most well-known causes of burst pipes is freezing temperatures, particularly during the winter. When water inside a pipe freezes, it expands, creating pressure on the pipe walls. Pipes located in uninsulated or poorly insulated areas, such as basements, attics, or outdoor walls, are particularly vulnerable. As the water continues to freeze and expand, the pipe can no longer contain the pressure, causing it to rupture.
Even a small crack in the pipe can release hundreds of gallons of water in a single day, leading to severe water damage and expensive repairs.
How to Prevent Pipes from Freezing
To prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, it is essential to insulate exposed pipes, keep your home adequately heated, and allow a small trickle of water to flow through taps during freezing temperatures. Additionally, sealing any gaps around doors, windows, and walls where cold air might seep in can help protect vulnerable pipes.
High Water Pressure
Another major factor in what causes a burst pipe is excessively high water pressure. Pipes are designed to handle a specific range of water pressure. If the water pressure exceeds this limit, the pipe walls become stressed, which can eventually lead to a rupture.
High water pressure can result from several issues, such as malfunctioning pressure regulators or problems with the municipal water supply. If you notice symptoms like banging noises in the pipes (water hammer) or unusually high water bills, it could indicate excessive water pressure.
Preventing High Water Pressure
To avoid this issue, homeowners should regularly check their water pressure with a pressure gauge. Ideally, water pressure should range between 40 and 60 PSI (pounds per square inch). If it exceeds this range, installing a pressure regulator can help maintain safe levels and prevent pipe damage.
Corrosion
Corrosion is another common reason your pipes can burst, particularly in older homes. Over time, pipes made from materials like galvanized steel or copper can corrode due to chemical reactions between the metal and the water. Corrosion weakens the pipe walls, making them more susceptible to leaks and bursts.
If you notice discolored water, low water pressure, or rust spots on exposed pipes, these could be signs of corrosion. Corrosion is often slow but steady, and if left unaddressed, it can eventually cause the pipe to fail completely.
How to Manage Corrosion
Regularly inspecting your plumbing system for signs of corrosion is crucial. Replacing old, corroded pipes with more durable materials like PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or copper can help prevent future bursts. In areas with hard or highly acidic water, installing a water softener or filtration system can also slow down the corrosion process.
Shifting or Moving Soil
Another lesser-known factor in what causes a burst pipe is shifting or moving soil. This can happen due to natural causes like earthquakes, soil erosion, or even nearby construction work. Underground pipes are especially vulnerable to these movements, which can cause cracks or ruptures.
In regions prone to earthquakes or significant ground movement, this issue becomes more pronounced. The constant movement and stress on the pipes can cause them to crack or burst, leading to underground leaks that may go unnoticed for some time.
Preventing Pipe Damage from Ground Shifts
To protect against this, ensure that underground pipes are properly installed and inspected regularly. Flexible piping materials can withstand more movement than rigid materials, so consider these options if you live in an area prone to ground shifts.
Poor Pipe Installation or Design
Faulty installation or poor pipe design is another reason your pipes can burst. If pipes are installed with sharp bends, poor connections, or inadequate supports, they are more likely to fail over time. Additionally, using the wrong materials for the plumbing system can also lead to problems. For example, pipes that are too thin or made of substandard materials may not be able to withstand regular water pressure or temperature fluctuations.
Improper pipe installation can also result in pipes that are more susceptible to freezing or high water pressure, making them more prone to bursting.
Ensuring Proper Installation
Hiring a licensed and experienced plumber is key to ensuring your pipes are installed correctly. Avoid using cheap materials, and always make sure the piping is suitable for your home’s water pressure and environmental conditions. A professional plumber will also ensure that the piping is designed in a way that reduces stress on the system, minimizing the risk of future issues.
Clogs and Blockages
Clogs can be more than just an inconvenience—they can also contribute to burst pipes. When a pipe becomes clogged, it restricts water flow, causing pressure to build up behind the blockage. If the pressure becomes too great, the pipe can crack or burst. This is especially common in kitchen and bathroom pipes where grease, hair, and other debris accumulate over time.
In more severe cases, clogs caused by tree roots infiltrating the sewer line can also lead to significant pipe damage.
Preventing Clogs
To prevent clogs, avoid pouring grease or oil down the drain, use drain covers to catch hair and debris, and regularly clean your drains with a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and baking soda. Additionally, scheduling regular inspections and cleanings of your plumbing system can help identify potential blockages before they become serious.
Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots naturally seek out moisture, making underground water pipes an attractive target. Roots can grow around or even into the pipes, causing cracks and blockages. Over time, as the roots expand, they can exert enough pressure on the pipes to cause a burst.
Tree roots are a common problem for older plumbing systems, particularly clay or cast-iron pipes, which are more easily penetrated by roots.
Preventing Tree Root Damage
To prevent tree roots from damaging your pipes, avoid planting large trees or shrubs near your sewer lines or water pipes. If you suspect root intrusion, consider having a plumber perform a video inspection of your underground pipes. Root barriers can also be installed to block the roots from reaching your pipes.
Conclusion
Understanding the reasons your pipes can burst is key to preventing this costly and disruptive issue. Freezing temperatures, high water pressure, corrosion, shifting soil, poor installation, clogs, and tree root intrusion are all common factors in what causes a burst pipe. By taking preventive measures, such as insulating pipes, regulating water pressure, maintaining proper installation standards, and regularly inspecting your plumbing, you can minimize the risk of a burst pipe and protect your home from water damage.
By staying vigilant and taking proactive steps, you can ensure the longevity and reliability of your plumbing system, saving yourself from future headaches and expensive repairs.
Need a Underground Pipe Company in Dalton, GA?
Established in 2021, Grade-1 Underground is your number-one go-to company for your underground pipe needs. From Water mains to sewer lines, we have you covered. Our team also provides site work such as excavation, grading, land clearing, and much more! For any questions, please give us a call today!