3 Reasons Why Pipes Burst

Burst pipes are a major hazard that can result in excessive water wastage and severe structural damage to your home. Unfortunately, a burst pipe isn't always visible -- especially if it happens behind a wall or under your home's foundation.

Over time, the materials that make up your plumbing system (including the pipes) will change, whether due to regular wear and tear or age. If you notice any unexplained leaks or damp spots in your home, burst pipes might be to blame.

Discover three main reasons why burst pipes occur and how you can prevent this problem.

1. Excessive Water Pressure
High water pressure has several damaging effects that might not always be too obvious. In fact, many homeowners don't understand how dangerous excess water pressure is to their home's plumbing.

When excess water pressure builds up in your pipes, water will eventually burst through the weakest point in your pipes. The sheer force of the water destroys these fragile sections, which often results in severe leaks. If you don't find the leaks early, you can expect major water damage to your home's foundation and interior structures.

Most pipes have a pressure limit, above which a pipe burst is inevitable. For this reason, your home's average water should never exceed 60 psi. Your plumber can install a water pressure regulator to ensure safe water pressure at all times. Even with this device in your home, you still need a plumber to check your pipe system regularly for any signs of trouble.

2. Frozen Water in the Pipes
Even if you protect your plumbing system from excess water pressure, you can't stop the ice expansion in the cold. When water freezes, it expands by roughly 9%. This expansion can create excessive strain on your pipes, and they will eventually burst.

Usually, you can identify burst pipes by the wet or moist areas around them. However, freezing temperatures have a completely different effect on the pipes. Instead of wet spots near these burst pipes, the pipes won't immediately start to leak. You probably won't know of a pipe burst until the temperatures rise again. By this time, your home's foundation might already be compromised.

To prevent burst pipes, your plumber can install waterproof heat tape around your home's exterior water supply lines and outdoor faucets. This heat tape runs through the exterior pipes to ensure they don't freeze and burst during the winter months. You could also burst-proof your plumbing if you add insulation to your exterior walls or drain pipes.

3. Tree Root Activity
Tree roots can burst your plumbing system to pieces if they invade your sewer pipes and water supply lines. Since most people don't think of tree roots as a major burst pipe culprit, they are an easy issue to overlook.

If tree roots infiltrate your plumbing system, they'll eventually burst your pipes without your knowledge. Most of these pipes aren't strong enough to withstand the constant pressure from the adventurous roots. The roots might also burst the drain lines, which results in major water damage in your home. Because the pipe burst is usually silent, you'll have no idea of any problems until it's too late.

You won't have to worry about root invasion if you don't plant trees next to your home's foundation. You can pick a landscaping design that places the trees far from your house.

If you already have trees close by, make sure you regularly check underneath the soil to ensure no tree roots infiltrate your piping system. If they do, contact your plumber immediately to protect against any unforeseen issues.

If you can identify burst pipes early, a professional can repair them before any major damage occurs. If you're too late, you'll have to invest in new pipes. Contact us at Express Plumbing & Drain Serviceif you see or suspect a pipe burst anywhere in your home.