Why Do Pipes Burst and How Can You Prevent It?

As temperatures cool, it’s essential to protect your home from one of the most common winter plumbing issues—burst pipes. A burst pipe can lead to unexpected water damage, costly repairs, and many headaches for property owners. But why do pipes burst, and how can you prevent this disaster from occurring?

Why Do Pipes Burst?

1. Freezing Temperatures
The most common cause of burst pipes is freezing. When temperatures dip below freezing, water inside your pipes can solidify and expand. This expansion creates immense pressure inside the pipes, often causing them to crack or rupture. Since ice takes up more space than liquid water, this pressure buildup can cause serious leaks or flooding.

2. High Water Pressure
Excessive water pressure can put undue stress on your pipes, especially older ones. While pipes are designed to handle a specific range of pressure (typically 40-60 psi), pressure that’s too high can strain joints and weaken the pipe walls over time, leading to potential bursts.

Signs of High Water Pressure

• Banging or knocking sounds in pipes
• Leaking faucets or fixtures
• Appliances, like dishwashers, wearing out quickly

Regularly check your home’s water pressure gauge to ensure your water pressure remains within a safe range and avoid damage.

3. Pipe Corrosion
Corrosion is another hidden danger to your plumbing system, particularly in older homes. Over time, minerals and chemicals in the water can cause metal pipes to corrode, weakening the pipe walls and making them more susceptible to breaking. Corrosion is often accelerated by hard water, which contains high levels of minerals.

4. Clogs and Blockages
A blocked pipe can also lead to a burst. When water flow is restricted by a clog, pressure can build up behind the blockage, eventually forcing the pipe to break. Tree roots are another frequent cause of underground pipe clogs, especially if roots invade and block water lines.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

1. Insulate Your Pipes
   Insulating your pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from freezing. Use foam pipe insulation or heat tape on exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawl spaces.
2. Maintain Proper Water Pressure
   Install a pressure regulator to ensure that your water pressure stays within the safe range of 40-60 psi. A simple pressure gauge can help you monitor and prevent stress on your pipes from excessive pressure.
3. Check for Corrosion and Replace Old Pipes
   Regularly inspect your plumbing for signs of rust or discolored water. If your pipes are old or show signs of corrosion, it may be time to replace them with modern materials, such as PVC or PEX.
4. Keep Drains Clear
   Avoid putting grease, food, or large particles down your drains to prevent clogs. Regularly cleaning your drains will help keep water flowing freely and reduce the chance of pressure build-up that can cause pipes to burst.
5. Drain Outdoor Faucets
   Before cold weather sets in, disconnect hoses and drain outdoor faucets to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing pipe damage.
6. Keep Your Home Warm
   During the colder months, keep your home’s temperature consistent—even when you’re away.

What to Do if a Pipe Bursts
Even with preventive measures in place, sometimes pipes still burst. If this happens, quick action is crucial to minimize damage:

• Turn off the water: Locate the main shut-off valve and turn it off immediately.
• Drain the system: Open all faucets and flush toilets to release remaining water.
• Call a professional: Contact a licensed plumber and water damage restoration expert like PuroClean of Covington, LA, for immediate assistance.
• After water removal, drying the area is essential to avoid mold and mildew growth. Water damage remediation specialists can use specialized equipment to extract water, dry out the area, and prevent further complications.

When water damage from a burst pipe strikes, acting fast is critical. PuroClean’s certified professionals are here to help. With 24/7 emergency services, we’ll restore your property and peace of mind quickly and efficiently.

If you experience a burst pipe or water damage, call us at (985) 590-6600 for expert water damage restoration. We’re “The Paramedics of Property Damage™” and ready to assist whenever disaster strikes.