Burst pipes can ruin your day in an instant. Sometimes, it’s clear that the burst pipe is due to damage in the pipe’s welds or joints and sometimes it’s less clear — but regardless of what caused it, these pipes lead to thousands of gallons of water flooding houses and buildings each year. It’s easy enough to avoid a burst pipe when you’re at home. In this article, we’ll look at why pipes burst, what kinds of pipes are most likely to burst and how burst pipes affect the water systems in your home.

What causes pipes to burst?

Pipes can burst for several reasons ranging from simple wear and tear to accidents and more. Unsurprisingly, the most common cause of burst pipes is corrosion inside a metal pipe as a result of water freezing or freezing and expanding over time. Without proper maintenance, pipes can overheat and crack due to the metal being under high pressure.

Another reason that causes pipes to burst is tree root encroachment. It’s not uncommon for the roots of large trees to crack the foundations of houses over time. This can have a devastating effect as the roots can burrow into pipes and cause them to leak.

Another reason for burst pipes is soil shifting. When the soil around a house shifts, pipes can also shift and break, causing them to burst. The ground shifting may be a result of excavation or other construction projects nearby, or from regular water drainage.

Lastly, high water pressure can cause a pipe to burst. The water in a supply pipe pushes on the pipe to keep it straight. If the pressure is high enough, the pipe may burst.

Tips to prevent pipes from bursting

Most homes keep their pipes from freezing by using the heat produced during winter. However, this can be challenging for the unheated parts such as the garage, attic, basements, and crawl space. Your pipes should be insulated to prevent bursting. Below are tips to prevent burst pipes in your home:

– Do not turn off the faucets

When you leave the house for a long period, you might want to turn off the water flow to your faucets, but this can cause serious problems with burst pipes. When water is moving through the pipes it prevents the pipes from freezing.

– Check for leaks

It’s important to check your water pipes once a week. Check the faucets and the drain pipes in your sink, bathtub, and shower. It’s important to check your water supply lines and appliances. If there is a leak, you will want to fix it before the water damage gets any worse.

– Insulate pipes

Insulating your pipes is important to prevent burst pipes. Insulate pipes by using plastic wrap or newspaper and caulk around them. Do not use insulating foam as this may take a long time to cure, and caulk is better.

– Direct your heat

If your pipes are in an unheated attic, basement, or crawl space, it’s a good idea to direct your home’s heat towards them to prevent burst pipes. Try using a small space heater in an unheated area to make sure your pipes are warm enough.

– Schedule regular maintenance

Schedule regular plumbing maintenance and burst pipe repair to prevent burst pipes. If pipes are not properly maintained, they can crack and burst.

A burst pipe will leave you vulnerable, or even worse. Water damage is the most damaging of all water damages, and it is something that you do not want to deal with.

What happens when your pipes burst

There is no universal damage from a burst pipe, but your house will be in danger of water damage if the pipe breaks at your home. If it was running through the walls or floors, then there would be holes. The water would begin to seep into your walls, floors, and ceilings until the whole house was damaged.

A burst pipe will be running through a stairwell and your entire home will be flooded. The building walls and floor would be ruined, the furniture would be damaged, and the carpet would have to be replaced. The walls and ceiling can get moldy and that is a different kind of water damage that you will have to deal with.

How long does it take to fix a burst pipe?

Depending on the size of the pipe, it can take hours for a plumber to fix it. For a small leak in a kitchen, it may only take 30 minutes to fix. If you want to hire a plumber to fix your burst pipes, contact us today. Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing are experts at repairing burst pipes and offer a 24-hour emergency service to repair your plumbing problems

Is a burst pipe an emergency?

Yes, a burst pipe can be a serious emergency if it happens to you. If the pipe bursts in an upstairs bathroom, the water will pour through to your downstairs living room and flood your home. This is why it is an emergency. When the pipe bursts, there will be a lot of water coming out of it. You need to address the situation before the water spreads throughout your home.

Who to contact in Melbourne in case of a burst water pipe?

In case you have a burst water pipe, Melbourne 24 Hour Plumbing are experts in the repair, maintenance, and installation of water pipes. We also always provide 24-hour emergency service to ensure that your burst pipe is repaired before you start losing water. Our dedicated team has vast experience in the repair and installation of water pipes. Therefore, we are your best option to contact in Melbourne when a burst pipe happens. 

You can contact us on 1300 931 384 or for further information visit our website at – https://melbourne24hourplumbing.com.au/