If you live in the colder parts of the country, then you are no stranger to burst pipes. Burst pipes are one of the most common issues that most households face on a yearly basis. When such a thing happens inside of your home, it should be considered a plumbing emergency situation because your valuable belongings and property have increased chances of getting damaged.
So, why do burst pipes happen? In the liquid state, water molecules are compressed. Once temperatures decrease, water starts to freeze. These frozen water molecules will then expand making them take up more space. This will result in creating more pressure on the pipes that is why you experience burst pipes.
A lot of insurance companies have observed that claims associated with burst pipes tend to increase during the cold winter season. However, it is important for you to remember that it is not only the extreme cold that will make your pipes burst. There are also other causes of burst pipes that you need to know. Here are some of them.
Metal expansion
Most homeowners assume that burst pipes only happen during the cold season. However, in the summer when metals have a tendency to expand, burst pipes can also occur. Having too much heat around your home will dry its soil. Dry soil often shifts more easily compared with moist soil. This constant movement of soil can put a lot of pressure on the pipes causing them to burst.
Too much pressure
Household needs have increased over the years. In terms of water needs, most people require more for sprinkling their garden area, washing their cars, filling swimming pools, and more. Having increased water demands could mean too much pressure on your home plumbing system. If you just leave your plumbing system as is and not change it to your current requirements, you may be dealing with burst pipes in the future.
Clogged pipes
If your pipes are clogged with food particles, dirt, soap scum, oil particles, and the like, there will be more pressure in your pipes. Typically, this will lead to a water backup problem. However, if you do not deal with your water backup problem, this may lead to burst pipes. So again, it is smart to keep your plumbing system well maintained.
Faulty plumbing system
Mostly, your pipes could be damaged naturally because of corrosion. However, if your plumbing contractor was not able to install your plumbing system correctly and have a few errors here and there, your pipes could be damaged. Burst pipes are another outcome that you can expect if your plumbing contractor has installed inaccurate pipes, poor connection between pipes, used old rusty pipes, and missed to remove tree roots that wrap around your pipes.
So, what do you do if you have burst pipes? Hire an expert plumber, of course! Not taking care of the issue of burst pipes mean both indoor flooding and damage to your property. You do not want this to happen to your home and property. Thus, you have to call in an expert plumber fast. He will make sure to limit the damage that such an issue has already caused your property. Additionally, they make an effort in drying your belongings and home so no molds develop.