Burst pipes are a leading cause of water damage in homes, resulting in high stress for homeowners who are suddenly faced with costly repairs.
Bakersfield’s semi-arid climate allows residents to enjoy mild weather during the winter months. While this weather reduces the risk of pipes bursting due to freezing temperatures, older homes with aging plumbing systems or properties with poor maintenance may still face significant risks. Regular inspections and conducting timely repairs can have a significant impact on mitigating the potential risks.
Burst pipes can happen without warning. Thousands of gallons of water can flood a home or business quickly, wreaking havoc if not promptly addressed and remediated. These are the common causes in which a homeowner may find themselves with a burst pipe problem:
- Freezing temperatures are a frequent cause of burst pipes. Water expands when it reaches freezing temperatures, and this sudden expansion creates tremendous pressure which can break weak connections in a pipe. Proper insulation around pipes is crucial to prevent them from being exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Corrosion occurs when a pipe’s material is gradually weakened and degraded, and the water pressure on the resulting crack can exert enough force to cause a larger break. Older homes are particularly vulnerable as they are more often constructed with pipes prone to corrosion. Regular inspection and maintenance can help identify corroded areas before they burst, and replacing older pipes with pipes made of durable materials can help to mitigate the risk.
- High water pressure is not only a concern for weakened pipes, but can pose risks on any plumbing pipe. Residential plumbing systems can typically handle pressure between 40 and 60 psi (pounds per square inch), and higher rates of pressure can damage pipes. High water pressure can be a result of issues within the municipal water supply, or from a malfunctioning pressure regulator. Installing a pressure regulator and routinely monitoring the water pressure can ensure maintenance needs are addressed before they escalate into a larger problem.
- Clogs and other blockages in the pipes can increase the internal pressure inside the pipe, resulting in a break. Common blockages include hair, grease, food particles, and other foreign objects. Regularly cleaning drains and implementing drain catchers to properly catch and dispose of inappropriate materials can prevent a clog from forming.
- Accidental damage to a pipe can occur during a home renovation. Avoiding DIY methods and contacting a professional to perform these services can greatly reduce the risk of such accidents.
- Tree roots can significantly damage underground pipes. Roots seek out moisture in the surrounding soil, and can infiltrate pipes through the joints or small cracks. As the roots grow, they can exert pressure on and around the pipe, resulting in a break. Installing root barriers and regularly inspecting pipes can help prevent this problem.
- Improper installation can range from faulty soldering, inadequate pipe supports, and incorrect connections. If a pipe is not installed correctly to begin with, it is inevitable that it will lead to future problems.
Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover the water damage mitigation efforts needed after facing a burst pipe incident. However, it is important to keep in mind that many policies exclude losses resulting from wear-and-tear or other long-term damages. A slow leak in a pipe that breaks weeks later due to inaction is an example of a loss that insurances would not cover.
When catastrophes happen, depend on Tip Top Restoration of Bakersfield to restore your home and get you back to your normal. Our professional experts are on-call 24/7 and can be on site any time, day or night!
