Your home’s pipes are vital, but you’re in danger when they burst. They can not only cause severe damage, but they can also be difficult to repair and replace. Its detailed review is useful for homeowners to understand how to cope with ruptured water pipes.
Property water systems are at risk of freezing and burst pipes as winter temperatures continue to decrease. Pipes break as the water inside them freezes and expands, a common plumbing problem during cold weather. It causes property damage and will cause your water supply to be cut off until the damage is rectified.
Taking basic precautions can reduce the chance of broken or frozen pipes in your home. You are responsible for insulating and protecting all internal pipes if you own your home. Landlords are accountable for rental housing.
What causes winter pipe bursts?
Water pipes can rupture for various reasons, including environmental factors, trauma, etc. There are six major possibilities to give you a sense of what could be causing this.
Pipes explode when the water inside freezes and solidifies. Because water expands by 10% when it freezes, ice will strive to grow in all directions. If the ends cannot be expanded, they strain the pipe walls, eventually splitting or exploding them.
The freezing rate is determined by the temperatures to which the pipes are subjected. Pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes in exceptionally cold temperatures. Home water system lines tend to freeze with little airflow.
Factors that contribute to pipe bursts include:
- Ice obstruction – A small portion of the pipe freezes and forms an ice blockage, preventing water passage.
- Continuous freezing temperatures – During the winter, a constant drop in temperature prevents the pipe from expanding. The likelihood of the obstruction breaking the line increases as the blockage deepens.
- Pressure buildup between the blockage and the closed faucet – Water can become trapped inside the pipe when both ends of the line are sealed. This trapped water then freezes, raising the pressure in the affected area. The pipe bursts open when the pressure becomes too high.
- Blockage location – If the frozen piece is tiny and in a long, straight section of pipe, the odds of the pipe bursting are low. On the other hand, ice produced inside a bend, corner, or U-trap is less likely to extend out of the freezing zone and more likely to break.
Even if the pipe bursts, water leakage will not occur until it thaws and the water starts flowing.
How Do Burst Water Pipes Affect You?
When your pipes burst, you could face serious consequences. Mould growth is normal for a slow leak that may remain unnoticed. Mould is difficult to eliminate but thrives in damp environments, so this is a serious issue.
If water floods the house, it can destroy and deform everything inside. Finally, water can damage the non-structural components of a house. These things may not be repairable.
How do you handle a burst water pipe?
If you observe the signs and symptoms of a burst pipe, you should take a few simple steps. You should turn off your home’s water source. In most homes, the main shut-off valve is most likely near the water heater or in the basement. No further water will drain from the burst pipe once it has been turned off.
The next step is to pinpoint the exact position of the burst pipe. It could be behind a wall. Although you may not know the exact location, knowing an approximate location is a wise first step. Finally, call a professional plumber to fix the burst pipe. Depending on the extent of the damage, it could be a quick or long process, but it’s essential to act quickly to avoid costly repairs.
Maintain your cool and avoid panicking. Ensure the main water line entering your property has been turned off to prevent flooding. The water main shut-off valve is normally located near the water metre. Call your local plumber after turning off the water.
In Queensland, call Reztor Restoration on 1800 739 867 for water damage emergencies such as busted pipes. We can assist you 24-hours a day, seven days a week.
Keep leaks from creating floods.
You might get lucky and only have a minor leak before a major problem. Take prompt action before the problem worsens. First, switch off your home’s main valve. The greater the pressure applied, the larger the leak may become. Suppose you must file a claim with your insurance company and document any existing damage. Finally, contact a certified plumber to inspect and repair the leak.
How Do You Deal With Burst Pipes?
You may only realise you have a problem once it is too late.
As a property owner, you must do all possible to avoid burst pipes and water damage. If you have to learn your lesson the difficult way, avoid putting yourself in a similar scenario during the next cold spell. Avoiding them altogether is the most effective coping strategy for frozen or burst pipes. Proactive winter maintenance saves you money, time, and a lot of stress.
If a pipe has already burst, you should halt the flow of water as soon as possible. Turn off the water supply immediately to avoid further plumbing damage. Next, contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible. If you have water damage, you must repair it after the plumber has fixed the problem. Reztor is a water damage remediation firm.
