3 Reasons Pipes Can Burst And How to Keep the Water Flowing Where It Should
As the winter draws ever nearer and the temperatures drop, homeowners may naturally be concerned about the frigid temperatures doing significant damage to a home's pipes. Many things become brittle when the thermometer drops below zero, including many of the metal and plastic products used in a plumbing system. While one may expect natural anxiety, it should lead the homeowner to action to prevent burst pipes. That is what this article is going to cover.
Pipes Burst Due to Freezing
One of the most basic scientific facts is that water expands when it goes from liquid to solid form; that is when it freezes. Thus, water freezing within pipes puts pressure on them from the inside. This can cause the pipes to crack or burst, creating an interruption in water supply or drainage as well as collateral damage. There are several ways to prevent or at least mitigate this problem, pipe insulation being the primary method. Below are detailed two types of pipe insulation:
- Foam Pipe Insulation: This is a very common and inexpensive type of insulation that consists of a split foam tube that wraps around the pipe like a bun around a hot dog. It is held in place by tape that is similar to duct tape. It is flexible and easy to install.
- Fiberglass Pipe Insulation: This is much more like traditional wall insulation and is perfect for making hot water pipes more efficient. This often comes in a tape-like roll wrapped around pipes, although it can come in tubes or sheets with an outer reflective coating for extra protection.
Besides insulating pipes, other ways to help prevent frozen pipes include letting the faucet drip, opening cabinet doors, or aiming a space heater at affected pipes.
Pipes Burst Due to Corrosion
Pipe corrosion and decay occur when a pipe is weakened by chemical or physical environmental interactions that cause material loss. As the walls of the pipes grow thinner and thinner, they grow weaker and weaker and may eventually burst. The culprit may be anything from chemical drain cleaners, which eat away at the pipes' surface while removing clogs, or loose pipes that vibrate and wear themselves thin on their supports. Here are a few ways to keep pipe corrosion or pipe decay to a minimum:
- Avoid using chemical drain openers
- Make sure all pipe connections and supports are tightened as they should be
- Install a water softener
Pipes Burst Due to Clogs
People normally think of a clog being the main problem, not a cause for such a big problem as a burst pipe. This can happen, especially when colder temperatures and pipe age can exacerbate the issue. A clogged pipe can be brittle from cold and put under pressure that causes it to burst. One of the best ways to prevent this is by having regular professional drain cleaning. A plumbing professional can not only clean a home's drainage pipes quickly and efficiently, they can also assess whether or not there is a developing problem in the system.
About B&L Plumbing
Available 24/7 in Colorado Springs, CO with no after-hours charges, B&L Plumbing is a veteran-owned and family-operated business. For more than 20 years, they have offered expert plumbing services and individualized solutions for the people of Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. Call today for assistance with any plumbing problem.
