What Causes Pipes to Burst?
Trusted Plumbing & Heating Explains
Understanding the reasons pipes burst can help you protect your home or business and save a lot of stress and money. At Trusted Plumbing & Heating, we believe in helping you get the answers you need and making sure you know when to call a professional.
The Basics: What Is a Burst Pipe?
When we talk about a burst pipe or burst pipes, it simply means that a crack or split has formed in one of your water pipes. This allows water to escape, sometimes flooding parts of your home very quickly. Water should travel through your pipes and only come out when you want it to, for example, when you turn on the tap. When a pipe bursts, however, water escapes where you do not want it and this is what causes damage.
Cold Temperatures and Freezing
The most common reason pipes burst is because of cold weather. When temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside your water pipes can freeze as well. You might think a frozen pipe is not so bad, but here is the problem. When water turns to ice, it expands. This means it pushes outwards on the walls of the pipe. If the pressure gets too strong, the pipe bursts and all the water inside will leak out. This is why you hear stories of pipes bursting every winter. People who do not prepare for the cold might come home to a burst pipe and a big watery mess. At Trusted Plumbing & Heating, we see more calls about burst pipes in the winter than any other time of year.
Water Pressure Problems
Sometimes it is not about the cold. High water pressure is another reason you might have a burst pipe. Pipes are designed to carry water at a certain pressure. If the water pressure is too high, it puts extra stress on the pipe walls. Over time, this can lead to tiny cracks and then a burst. You might not notice the warning signs right away. Maybe your faucets clang when you turn them on, or maybe you notice banging in the walls. This is sometimes called water hammer. It is a sign that your plumbing may have some unhealthy pressure inside. When pipes burst from high pressure, the water damage can be just as bad as from freezing.
Corrosion and Wear
Pipes are usually made from metal like copper or steel, or from plastic. Over many years, even strong metal pipes can get weak. Water itself can slowly eat away at the inside of your pipe, especially if your water has lots of minerals in it. This breakdown is called corrosion. When a pipe becomes corroded, the walls get thinner and thinner until they cannot handle the normal water pressure. That is when the pipe bursts. Pipes in older houses are at a higher risk for this kind of problem. If you have an older home, Trusted Plumbing & Heating often recommends regular check-ups to catch pipe damage before it turns into a full burst.
Blockages Inside the Pipes
Another thing that can cause pipes to burst is a blockage. Imagine something blocking the normal flow of water, such as a buildup of grease, hair, or even mineral scale. This blockage causes water to build up behind it, increasing the pressure inside the pipe. If the pressure builds too much, the pipe bursts. Sometimes tree roots can sneak in and grow inside outdoor pipes, creating massive blockages and risk of damage.
Poor Installation or Old Materials
If water pipes are not installed correctly, or if low quality materials were used, there is a greater risk of them bursting. Joints that are not tightly fixed or pipes that are too thin for the job will not stand up well to normal water pressure. Sometimes, even newer homes can have burst pipes if corners were cut during building. It is always a good idea to have a professional check your plumbing to make sure everything is up to the standard.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes?
Now you know some of the common answers to the question what causes pipes to burst, but what about prevention? Here are a few tips:
- Keep pipes warm during winter by adding insulation or leaving a faucet dripping very slowly.
- Check your water pressure regularly. If your water pressure seems very high, have it looked at right away.
- Do not ignore leaks or signs of dampness on your walls or ceilings.
- Call a professional for yearly inspections. Trusted Plumbing & Heating can spot trouble before it turns into water damage.
It really is safest to have a qualified plumber check any problems you find. Trying to fix things yourself can make a small issue much bigger.
Why Choose Trusted Plumbing & Heating?
At Trusted Plumbing & Heating, we have helped hundreds of families and businesses fix burst pipes quickly and safely. Our team is always ready to answer questions and come to your aid, day or night. We know how important it is to stop water damage as soon as possible and to find what caused the pipe to burst in the first place. We don’t just repair the damage, we look at your whole system to keep your plumbing working for years to come.
When you want professional advice, honest answers, and real experience, give us a call. We want to make sure you and your family never have to worry about burst pipes or water damage. Do not wait for a pipe to burst before getting help. Call Trusted Plumbing & Heating and let us keep your plumbing strong and healthy for every season.
