A burst pipe can be a significant inconvenience. It often causes flooding, damaging your home and belongings. Burst pipe repair may include mold remediation, replacing flooring, and more, making it much more expensive than preventing a burst pipe. Learning the causes of burst pipes and how to avoid them is crucial to keeping your plumbing in good working order. 

Frozen Water

Water expands when it freezes. You’ll see this if you put a full jug of water in the freezer and leave it there. It might explode because the water expands, and there isn’t enough room in the jug, so it explodes. The same thing happens when water freezes inside pipes. This is the most common cause of burst pipes during cold weather. 

Clogged Pipes

Clogged pipes can put unnecessary pressure on pipes. Water often builds up behind clogs, placing pressure on bolts and pipe seams. The pipe will eventually burst if you don’t relieve the pressure or keep running water. Instead, contact a professional for emergency pipe repair as soon as you notice your plumbing isn’t working as well as it should. 

Tree Roots

As trees grow taller, their root systems continue to expand. Unfortunately, there isn’t always room for a vast root system alongside underground infrastructure. Tree roots continue to expand regardless of what’s in their way. Roots can push onto pipes or try to grow through them, putting extreme pressure on pipes and making them burst. Always maintain trees and remove any necessary to maintain your plumbing system. 

Natural Disasters

Burst pipes and natural disasters go hand in hand. Earthquakes and floods may not cause a burst pipe, but they often result in problems like pressure on pipes, falling items, and poor building structure. Floods may cause loose soil, which makes pipes more likely to burst. If you’ve experienced a natural disaster, it’s best to contact professionals for an inspection to ensure your plumbing system is in good working condition. 

Risk Factors

Several things make your pipes more likely to burst. Aging pipes are weaker and may have corrosion, making them more likely to burst than new pipes. Pipes that are not properly maintained, such as calling professionals for clogs, are likely to burst. Poorly installed pipes may burst because they can’t handle the pressure properly installed pipes can. Uninsulated pipes may burst because water is likely to freeze inside.

Preventing Burst Pipes

Professionals can help with burst pipes. You can do several things to prevent pipes from bursting and leaving a mess. Invest in proper insulation for pipes. Always call professionals if you hear sounds from your pipes, such as a banging or clanging noise when you turn on the water, indicating high water pressure that your pipes can’t handle. Properly maintain pipes and landscaping to reduce your risk. 

Contact Guaranteed Plumbing & Heating for More Information

Burst pipes can quickly transform your basement into a flooded mess with mold spores. You won’t be able to use your plumbing and may have to invest in expensive emergency repairs. We can help you with repairs, but it’s best to contact us beforehand so we can help you prevent your pipes from bursting. 

Contact us today to schedule a pipe repair today!