Pipes used to transport water are often constructed to withstand substantial pressure without exploding. When pipes burst, it’s usually because of extensive structural damage. Keep reading for more information about what causes pipes to break and how you may easily avoid this disaster.
Water pressure is too high:
Water pressure is a common consideration while designing pipes. Each pipe has a label that specifies the maximum pressure it can withstand. However, the water pressure limits of a pipe can be surpassed if more water is pumped through it than the pipe was designed to handle. When more water volume must be supplied through a narrower pipe, the water pump is subjected to excessive pressure.
The structural capacity of the pipes may be exceeded by the water pressure, resulting to an unexpected burst. Water volume isn’t the only issue with hard water; it can also leave behind mineral deposits in your pipes. Pipes can rupture from mineral buildup if left unchecked. In order to clear obstructions, water in the pipelines must move quickly, which can cause the pressure to rise to the point where the pipes burst.
Professional plumbers should be called in regardless of the cause of the high water pressure. These professionals can investigate the source of the problem and carry out any necessary repairs to stop any more flooding or property destruction.
Outdated plumbing:
Pipes, like any other material, have an expected lifespan that declines with use and wear from the elements and improper upkeep. Both internal and external stresses can cause the pipes in an ageing plumbing system to burst, regardless of their material.
Old pipes can break at any time, even if they are regularly serviced and maintained. Experts estimate that pipes will function properly for a maximum of twenty years, after which point their structure may no longer be able to resist the force of the water flowing through them.
Particularly plastic pipes grow brittle, bursting at the slightest strain, while metal pipes rust and corrode readily. If your home is older than 50 years, you should replace the pipes immediately to avoid the risk of a pipe burst.
Unsafe plumbing connections:
Some of the weakest points in a plumbing system are the connections between pipes. It’s possible that whoever installed your initial plumbing system did a poor job. High pressure can easily be released into pipes with poor and insufficient connections. When pressure increases beyond this point, the result is a burst. Pipe connections should be properly reinforced to avoid such issues.
Poor pipe layout and construction:
Plumbing tasks such as pipe layering and pipe connections require the expertise of a licensed plumber. When pipe layering is performed by those without plumbing technical knowledge skills, mistakes inevitably arise, resulting to improper water pressure being subjected on the pipes. For instance, strong pressure can cause a pipe to rupture if a larger pipe is linked to a smaller pipe of inferior thickness.
Frozen water:
Sometimes the water can get really cold because of the freezing weather, especially in the winter. This causes the liquid water to freeze into a solid form known as ice, which then clogs your plumbing. Because of the concentrated mass of ice at the point of obstruction, the water pressure in your pipes may become dangerously high.
The water pipelines will burst under the strain of such a tremendous pressure, and the resulting flood might be disastrous. In addition, the water supply to your house will be cut off by the pipes.
Turning on faucets and taps to drip liquid gently will simply avoid the fluid from frozen inside the pipes. Keeping the water circulating will prevent it from collecting in one area and freezing, protecting your pipes from damage.
Clogs:
Pipes can burst from blockages in plumbing systems, one of the most common causes of which being clogs. Mineral deposits on the inside surfaces of water pipes can cause them to get clogged over time. The presence of solid items in the water, such as chaff, can also cause clogging. Large obstructions not only reduce water flow, but also increase the risk of leaks caused by the pipe bursting or cracking. Make sure water flows freely by having a professional plumber inspect your pipes for obstructions at least once a month.
Encroachment of Tree Roots:
Tree roots are another common culprit in the case of pipe bursts. It’s possible that the roots of the trees around your house will go deeper into the ground as the trees get older. It’s possible for these roots to spread and eventually invade something else underground, like a sewer system.
As the tree roots expand, they continue to put undesirable stress on the plumbing. If the pressure is high enough, it can actually rupture your pipes. It causes holes or cracks to form, which lets water in.
Earthquakes:
Pipe bursts due to unusually high pressure caused by earth vibrations are also possible. Pipes may rupture if the soil shifts around them as a result of these changes. The soil around your water pipes can shift if there is construction nearby, if it rains a lot or if there are earthquakes or tremors.
If your pipes are subjected to pressures above and beyond their design specifications as a result of shifting ground, they may burst open suddenly. You can prevent damage to your water lines from ongoing construction by requesting that the workers be cautious when moving the earth around. By judiciously depositing the moved soil away from the pipe network, the crew can prevent unnecessary stress on your pipes.