Pipe Bursts: Causes and Remedies
January 11, 2019
Bursting of the pipes is a common plumbing problem that can occur in both public places as well as homes. Some conditions can cause the bursting of pipes, extreme cold being one of the major causes. When the temperature drops to a shallow level, the water tends to freeze and the pipe is put under tremendous pressure. The pipe is when exposed to such pressure tends to break down.
The effects of pipe bursts are theatrical as well as devastating. If the pipe of the main system bursts, it causes a great deal of damage to the property. If the pipe breaks in a relatively more significant area, then it can shut down the roads of a town for some days.
The tremendous population explosion has caused the plumbing systems at our places to become complicated. Bursting of pipes within homes causes inconvenience not only concerning the expenses and the quantity of water lost but also regarding the damage caused to the property.
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Common Causes of Pipe Bursts
A burst pipe can take place due to numerous reasons. The reasons which are most likely to cause a pipe to burst is frozen temperature and unprotected piping. When your home does not have the right temperature, the water flowing through the pipe keeps expanding till it turns into ice. This puts a strain on the pipe from within which causes it to burst open. The burst pipe takes place either through the joints that are weak or from the middle of the pipe. In many houses, the piping of the house is hidden in the walls or flooring. In such cases, the damage caused by burst pipes is relatively higher.
How to Prevent Pipe Bursts?
Burst Pipes are a nuisance which you need you to take preventive measures. Here are some of the ways in which you can avoid a burst pipe:
- You have to know about the location of the stopcock.
- Adequately insulate the outside piping and the taps. No part should be left exposed.
- The pipes which are buried should be buried deep and lagged in an appropriate manner.
- Insulate the cold-water tanks adequately.
- Make sure that the leaks and cracks are well taken care of before winter falls.
If you do not feel confident enough to do these things by yourself, you need to get in touch with a professional plumber who can help you out with the process.
Things to Do in Case of A Burst Pipe
Despite all the preventions and precautions, there are incidents where burst pipes occur. When you discover one, you need to do the following things:
- In case you spot a burst pipe, make sure that you close the stopcock. Open all the taps and empty all the water from the system.
- Get rid of the excess water and prevent it from clogging. Stagnant water can cause a great deal of damage to household property.
- Keep all the electrical gadgets, devices, and sockets away to prevent electrocution.
- Safeguard your furniture and other belongings from that of water damage.
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Once you have taken all the DIY measures, call an emergency plumber to assist you on an immediate basis.
In case the burst pipe is in the street and not anyone’s home, it is advisable to contact the local water authority immediately. The water pressure, when on the streets, can turn out to be dangerous. Hence, needs attention from the professional. The professionals will first isolate the pipe and then identify the cause of the disaster. Once they detect the purpose of the burst pipe, they will eliminate the problem from the root.
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