Pipe Burst: 5 Informative Reasons Why Pipes Stop Working
10/24/2022 (Permalink)
A single burst pipe can lead to thousands of dollars in damages.
Most people don't think about their plumbing until there is a problem. But, if you take the time to understand your pipes and what can cause them to burst, you’ll be taking steps to prevent costly and messy repairs.
Water damage is one of the most common and costly problems a homeowner can face. And a pipe burst can cause extensive damage in a short time by flooding your home.
Several factors can cause a pipe to burst, but some are more common than others. Here are the five most common reasons for a pipe burst:
- Pipe corrosion
- Frozen pipes
- Poorly insulated pipes
- High water pressure
- Tree roots
After going over these five causes in further detail, this blog post will outline what to do when you experience a pipe burst and discuss the importance of water damage restoration. Then, you will see how SERVPRO of North Fulton can get your property back "Like it never even happened."
What is a pipe burst?
A pipe burst is when water pressure builds up in a pipe to the point that it ruptures. Let's go over the five most common reasons for a pipe burst:
1) Pipe corrosion
One of the most common causes of a pipe burst is corrosion. Over time, the pipes in your home or business can corrode and weaken; factors like age and hard water hasten this process. Eventually, the pipe will become so weak that it bursts.
2) Frozen pipes
Another common cause of a pipe burst is frozen pipes. When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can cause immense pressure in your pipes and rupture them. Frozen pipes are most common in the winter but can happen anytime the temperature gets low enough.
3) Poorly insulated pipes
Poorly insulated pipes are another leading cause of pipe bursts. When pipes are not properly insulated, they are more susceptible to freezing. Freezing can lead to the problems discussed in the previous section. In addition, poorly insulated pipes can also lead to excessive condensation, leading to mold and mildew, which can weaken the pipes and contribute to the risk of a break.
4) High water pressure
High water pressure is another common cause of a pipe burst. When water pressure is too high, it strains your pipes. Over time, this strain can cause the water lines to weaken and eventually burst.
5) Tree roots
One final common cause of a pipe burst is tree roots. Tree roots can grow into your pipes and break them, requiring extensive repair.
What to do when you experience a pipe burst?
No matter why you’re dealing with a burst pipe, you should first turn off the water. This step will help prevent further damage by limiting the addition of still more water after the initial leak. Once the water is off, assess the damage to see the extent of the issue. While doing this, take pictures and videos for your insurance company. This evidence will prove invaluable during the claims process.
After assessing the damage, call a water damage restoration company. The right water restoration company will be able to quickly and efficiently put together an insurance estimate and repair the issues causing problems in your home. Trusting a professional offers peace of mind and a quick turnaround, essential factors when recovering from property disasters.
Recover from a pipe burst with SERVPRO of North Fulton
Our professionals at SERVPRO of North Fulton have undergone extensive water damage training by the IICRC. As a result, we can work quickly and efficiently to get your property back to how it was before the pipe burst.
We understand that a pipe burst can be a stressful experience. Our goal is to make the process as stress-free as possible for you. We know the insurance process, so you can rest assured that we will work with your insurance company and keep you updated throughout the restoration process.
Finally, we have a 24/7 emergency service line, so don't hesitate to contact us if you experience a pipe burst or any other water damage emergency. We're always here to help!