Water Damage from Pipe Bursts - Not Just a Cold Weather Problem!

Water Damage from Pipe Bursts - Not Just a Cold Weather Problem!

Typical causes of broken pipes and what you can do to avoid a water damage in your home.

Most of us don’t even think about all of the water pipes just behind the walls in our homes. That is, until the day a water pipe ruptures. Water damage from burst pipes can happen anywhere, regardless of time of year or type of building structure. 

A burst pipe in your home can quickly cause significant water damage to your contents and structure. Read on to learn the main causes of burst pipes and what you can do to prevent them in your home.

Frozen Pipes

Water freezing in pipes will cause the ice to expand and the pressure of this will increase until the pipes ultimately break. 

There are several methods of insulating pipes and you can find the one that suits your home best by visiting your local home improvements store.

Water Pressure

High water pressure can result in a pipe break because the pipe cannot contain the pressure. 

Water pressure levels can vary from home to home, but should not exceed 60PSI. The PSI, (pounds per square inch), is the amount of force that the water moves through the pipes. 

Check your water pressure using a pressure gauge which you attach to the faucet and turn the water on to get the PSI reading.

Clogged Pipes

Clogged drains as well as sewer lines can cause water pressure to build and eventually result in a burst pipe.

A ruptured pipe in your sewer line is a health hazard and will need professional remediation. Not all clogged drains are from toilets. 

Kitchen sinks where food waste is disposed can cause a buildup in the pipe; eventually resulting in a rupture.

Maintain the health of your pipes by preventing buildups such as grease and hard water. 

You can run hot water through the drain after using garbage disposal. It is not recommended to put the grease down the drain. (Another method used by some homeowners for preventing buildup is to place ½ cup of baking soda in the drain, then pour a ½ cup of vinegar in drain. The final step is to rinse all of the baking soda and vinegar with a pot of boiling hot water).

 Old or Corroded Pipes

Sometimes pipes fail just because they are too old. Eventually the pipes will wear out and leaking or rupture will occur. 

The high content of magnesium and calcium in hard water can be very harmful to pipes; and the buildup can eventually slow the flow of the water. Hard water can also corrode the pipes over time causing leaks or holes in the pipes.

Be on the lookout for signs that your water pipes may be leaking or corroded such as a noticeable drop in your water pressure, or stains on walls near the pipes. Discolored water is sign there is rust in the pipes. Replace rusty pipes before they rupture or even create a slow leak.

Even with the best maintenance plan, leaks or ruptured water pipes can still occur; causing water damage to your home. If you experience a pipe break in your home, turn off the water supply and reach out to Eastern Diversified Services, Inc., for professional water damage restoration. We are here to help you.

Contact: Jackie Silveri, CDMP, CPM, Director of Marketing Eastern Diversified Services, Inc.