Pipes can burst for a variety of reasons, however, as the temperatures begin to drop, our restoration team is gearing up to help with an increased number of floods due to broken pipes. Restoration after severe water damage is no light task, even if you act promptly. This is why it is best to prevent water damage in the first place, with one of the most effective ways being to care for your pipes. In this blog, we will dive into the biggest threats your pipes face so you can better prevent those dreaded pipe bursts!
As previously mentioned, freezing temperatures pose the biggest risk to your water pipes during the winter. When the temperature drops below freezing the water in your pipes freezes and expands, putting pressure on the pipes which causes them to crack or burst. This is most common in basements, attics, or pipes close to outside walls if there is poor insulation. To prevent this, make sure your pipes are properly insulated. The key is to make sure that any water inside the pipes does not get cold enough to freeze. If you plan on leaving town for the holidays, make sure not to turn your heat completely off!
Water pressure is often overlooked, most people tend to notice if it is low- but very few notice if it is high. This can be troublesome as high-water pressure is another leading cause of pipe damage. If the water pressure in the pipe exceeds the limit given by the manufacturer (generally between 60-80 psi), it is too much on the pipes which will cause them to weaken over time, especially in older systems. Thankfully, if your water pressure regulators are accurate and you check them regularly this is pretty easy to avoid. A few minutes could save you from a lot of damage!
The most obvious reason for faults and leaky pipes is physical damage to the pipe itself. This is why it is vital to know where your pipes are if you have any ongoing projects. Physical impacts such as construction work, digging, or even being hit by an object like a shovel can damage the pipe, making it crack under even slight water pressure. Another factor that is overlooked is tree root invasion. Tree roots can grow into pipes (especially in older systems) and over time lead to a complete burst. Again, this is why it is important to note where your water lines are and assess if they are near any trees. This is much more common in older homes.
Each of these issues are preventable with regular maintenance and attention such as proper insulation, water pressure regulation, and replacement of aging pipes. We hope that this blog serves as a reminder to check your pipes to prevent you from having to give our restoration team a call when you do experience a pipe leak. That being said, if disaster strikes, we are a call away!
Blog post written by: Aysha Martin
