What Causes Burst Water Pipes?

Burst pipes in your home can be a major inconvenience. The pipes can disrupt your life, create chaos, and require immediate attention and repairs. Here are factors that can cause water pipes to burst. 

1. Freezing Pipes

When water freezes inside your home's pipes, it can lead to disastrous consequences, including pipe bursts. The process begins with a drop in temperature, causing the water within the pipes to chill and transform into ice. As the freezing progresses, the ice expands, exerting immense pressure on the surrounding pipe walls. Consequently, this increased pressure strains the pipe's integrity, making it vulnerable to rupture.

2. Tree Roots

When trees are planted near your property, their roots have an insatiable thirst for water and will search for any available source. As the roots grow, they can exert pressure on the surrounding soil, gradually shifting and compacting it. Consequently, this shifting soil can place immense stress on the water pipes buried underground.

As the roots continue their relentless pursuit of moisture, they can make their way toward the pipes. The force exerted by the roots can cause the pipes to crack, fracture, or even collapse. Moreover, the roots themselves can penetrate the pipes through existing joints or weak points, exacerbating the problem. Over time, as the roots continue to expand, the damage to the pipes intensifies.

This destructive process can be further exacerbated if the pipes are old or made of fragile materials. In such cases, the chances of a rupture become even higher. Ultimately, if left unaddressed, the growing pressure and expanding roots will reach a breaking point, causing water pipes to burst and resulting in water leakage, reduced water pressure, and potential flooding in your home.

3. Old Age, Rust, and Corrosion 

Over time, as pipes age, they become vulnerable to the relentless forces of nature. Firstly, the natural aging process gradually weakens the structural integrity of the pipes, making them more prone to failure. Furthermore, the accumulation of rust, a common consequence of prolonged exposure to moisture, eats away at the pipe material, causing it to become brittle and fragile. 

This deterioration process is exacerbated by corrosion, which occurs when metals react with the surrounding environment, such as the water flowing through the pipes. Corrosion weakens the metal, creating small cracks and holes that compromise the pipe's strength. As water pressure builds up inside the deteriorating pipes, the structural weaknesses become overwhelmed, leading to sudden and disruptive bursts. 

4. High Pressure

As water flows through the pipes, it encounters resistance due to obstructions or narrow passages, which naturally create pressure. However, if the pressure becomes too high, the pipes become vulnerable. 

For instance, when there are sudden changes in water flow, such as when a valve is closed abruptly, the pressure can spike instantly. The rapid increase puts immense strain on the pipes, especially if they are old or weakened. The constant force exerted on the walls of the pipes weakens their structural integrity, eventually causing them to rupture and release water forcefully.

5. Clogs

When a clog forms in the pipes, it restricts the flow of water, creating a buildup of pressure. Consequently, this increased pressure seeks an escape route, which can result in pipe bursts.

As debris and sediment accumulate within the pipes, they gradually narrow the passage through which the water flows. Consequently, the reduced space causes water to exert greater force against the obstruction, leading to a surge in pressure. If the clog persists and the pressure continues to build, weak points in the pipe can become vulnerable. Moreover, the continuous use of the faucet or flush further contributes to the mounting pressure behind the clog.

Blue Plumbing and Drain Cleaning is a professional plumbing company that focuses on doing the job right the first time. Contact us today for quality plumbing services.