What Causes Pipes to Burst?

Your plumbing system consists of a labyrinth of pipes that aid in the efficient transportation of water throughout your home. Any issues that develop within these pipes, no matter how small, can significantly affect the ease with which your water flows and drains, subsequently damaging your property.

Many homeowners can only hope to avoid the nightmare that is a burst water pipe. But, they are more common than one would wish to believe.

Why Does a Pipe Burst?

There are numerous potential reasons for a pipe to burst, including high water pressure, frozen pipes, and—most commonly—corroded or rusting pipes.

Corrosion and rust, which can build up over time, are common causes for metal pipe ruptures. This corrosion is a direct result of general ageing and wear and tear, as well as constant water surges, poor installation and hard water. These factors work to weaken a pipe, making it more susceptible to bursting; however, these ruptures can also often be further encouraged by high water pressure.

There is also a chance your pipes could burst due to the need to release a pressure build up that is frequently caused by excessive water pressure.

Common Causes of a Burst Pipe

There are many factors that can play a role in the likelihood of a pipe bursting, and often the cause can be a mix of the following elements.

Blocked Drains and Clogged Pipes

Obstructions in the pipe system can commonly cause burst pipes.

Many different things can result in an obstruction; often though, an obstruction comes as a result of various items being unintentionally washed down the drain. If these blockages are significant enough, they can result in reduced water flow which can also then lead to a pressure build up. As a result, the pipe can expand and eventually burst.

Tree Roots

Of all the things to block your drains, tree roots would have to be the worst.

Tree roots are notorious for causing all sorts of damage to your plumbing system, often infiltrating through the smallest of cracks, resulting in a blocked drain. In this instance, tree roots can invade and completely fill sections of your underground pipes, forcing the pipe to expand to the point where it is compelled to rupture or collapse under pressure.

General Wear and Tear

As with anything, pipes will eventually lose their durability due to general wear and tear. This gradual deterioration can assist in the lead up to a burst pipe, as less force is needed to break through the weakened pipe walls. The older the pipe, the more susceptible it is to a leak or rupture.

Poor Installation

It is not so widely known that poor installation can also lead to leaks and burst pipes. Somebody without the necessary professional training may leave you with a loose connection or a bad soldering job. The pipe system becomes weaker as a result, making it much more vulnerable to a sudden release of pressure.

Hence, it is important to do the research and ensure you are hiring an experienced plumber for all of your plumbing problems and emergencies.

What to do if a Pipe Does Burst

Turn off the water

It sounds a bit obvious, but when stress sets in, things can be easily forgotten. So, when a pipe has burst, completely switching off your home's water supply at the main is the easiest way to reduce the risk of further damage. Although the lack of water supply might seem like a hassle, it will help you avoid unnecessary damage or potential flooding.

Call a plumber

Once the water has been shut off, it is time to contact a licensed plumber. This kind of plumbing emergency is beyond the capabilities of your average DIYer and should only be handled by a qualified plumber.

At Jetset, our emergency plumbers are sure to have your plumbing system back up and running before the damage has a chance at becoming noticeable.

The Resulting Damages of a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your home's structural integrity, especially if the rupture is located within the walls or under the floorboards.

When a pipe bursts, water surges from the plumbing system, leaking into its surroundings. This can result in bubbling paint, cracked walls, mould, warped flooring and visible staining. In some cases, ruptures that are not caught early can also lead to the deterioration of load bearing elements.

With this sudden release of water also comes the possibility of flooding. This is also likely for the ruptures that initially go unnoticed. While this can obviously lead to structural damage, it can also cause damage to your belongings.

Preventing a Burst Pipe

So, how can you prevent a pipe from bursting in the first place? While it's not entirely foolproof, simply paying attention to the possible weak spots in your plumbing system could save you from the hassle of a burst pipe.

For starters, keep an eye on your home's water pressure and ensure it does not exceed the maximum limit. However, prevention also means committing to the maintenance of your home plumbing system in order to avoid serious corrosion, blockages, or other elements that could lead to a burst pipe.

At Jetset Plumbing, our plumbers are specialists in the upkeep of domestic plumbing systems, offering inspections, repairs, installations, and replacements. If you are wary, or aren't quite sure what state your plumbing system is in, give us a call on 1800 443 996.