Burst Pipe Repairs
Have you noticed one of the pipes in your home has burst? If you have then you need to act immediately! A burst pipe is no laughing matter and it’s a sort of repair that needs immediate action. Burst pipes in one’s water system is quite a common dilemma, and it can cause a range of unwanted problems and potentially serious hazards. At 1-2-1 Plumbers we offer a handful of repairs, with burst pipe repairs being one of the many areas we specialize in. If you’ve noticed any leaks or suspect a pipe may have burst, give us a ring now for speedy and professional services.
A burst pipe means water will leak, something no one wants to experience in their home or property; one of the first steps you need to make after giving us a ring is to try and stop the pipe from leaking any more than it already has. You can do this by placing a bucket under the leak or damp area to collect any water. You should also turn off the stop tap, and turn on the taps to drain your water system. If you’re not sure how this is done then it’s even more important you get in contact with a professional like us as soon as possible.
What causes burst pipes?
A pipe can burst anytime, and when you least expect it. Seeing as pipes are hidden beneath the floors, walls or ceilings, it’s hard to given them a routine check every now and then. Pipes have to put up with a lot of pressure, and most of the time the cause of its outbreak is due to the amount of pressure the pipe suffers from whether it be from the inside or outside. There are a few common causes on why burst pipes, and we’ve listed them down below to help you understand the main reasons they burst, and what you may be able to do to help prevent it from happening again.
Tree Roots –this may sound rather odd to some but tree roots can play a big part in the rupture of your pipe. Though this cause mostly happens to pipes underground, it is possible for tree roots to cause damage to other pipes depending on the trees location. As trees grow and age their roots tend to spread all over the place, and just as you can imagine, if a root or two come in contact with a pipe then the chances of any damage taking place is highly likely. Tree roots are very strong, and can easily piece into a pipe, especially if the pipe is old and not in the best of shape. Where possible, make sure there are no trees to near your house.
Freezing – another main reason pipes burst is due to freezing. Freezing takes place due to expansion of water as it becomes ice. Because of this the pipe from the inside has to handle a whole lot more pressure than it normally does making it give in and burst. Most commonly, freezing happens in the soft copper or plastic of the pipe, however it can also happen in the middle area.
Age – just like most things, pipes age. When a pipe has been used for years, especially without any maintenance, then the chances of its material deteriorating is high. Though pipes are made out of strong and reliable materials, with all the pressure it has to handle, the amount of water that runs through it, and the environment it is in, pipes will suffer sooner or later without the extra care it needs. If you’re buying a house or property make sure to inquire of the buildings pipes. Ask when they were last checked, if they have had any work or damage done to them, and water brand and material are the pipes made from.
Misuse or Damage – misuse or damages to pipes cover a range of factors. Despite being tucked away and hidden from the outside world, pipes can easily be damaged without you knowing. Depending on where the pipes are fitted, an overweight of furniture, a poor environment, poor use of water control can all play parts in damaging a property’s pipe. Though pipes are made to last, it’s always best to take extra precaution by keeping them in mind whenever you make any changes inside or outside of your home, and to always be careful when making sudden changes in the flow and heating of your water.
Collapsed Pipes – a pipe can collapse due to the changes of the environment it’s in. Any sudden changes surrounding a pipe can cause the pipe to rupture, which will then cause leaks. An example of this would be construction work going on around or near your home. Construction work can cause soil to shift around, this means there could be an increased weight upon your pipes forcing it to give in and rupture. If you’re having any construction done to your property, or if any major construction is taking place near your home, it’s best you inform the workers of the location of your water and sewer lines to prevent any unwanted damages.