A burst pipe is the last thing you want to happen in your home. But, in the unfortunate event that a burst pipe does occur in your home, you should be aware of the steps to take. A common misconception is that pipes burst only during winter. However, a pipe can burst in the summer too. As a result, it is important to know when to call a plumber. In this article, we will explain to you what causes pipes to burst and how you can prevent pipes from bursting.

What are the causes of burst pipes?

Several causes explain why pipes burst. We will be talking about the most common causes. A burst rarely occurs overnight. Always keep your eyes open for any signs of a leak or patch. Below are the most common causes of burst pipes:

Corrosion

Corrosion occurs because of the build-up of moisture, dirt, and rust in the pipes. Over time, the pipes get weak, and cracks start forming. These break down into smaller cracks that increase the possibility of bursting. To prevent this, you need to clean your pipes every month. If you are not able to do this for several months, it is recommended that you call a plumber.

Clogs

A clogged pipe is not the easiest thing to find. It can be hard to detect the signs of clogged pipes. But you should always keep an eye out. If a pipe gets clogged, it puts pressure on the water system which causes it to burst. If a clog develops deep in your pipes, the water pressure increases. This results in a massive pressure build-up. The pressure is so strong that it causes cracks in the pipes, leading to a burst. If you have not used your kitchen sink for more than a month, it is time to unclog it.

Movements

Pipe movements occur accidentally during the building process. For example, if the pipes move due to faulty workmanship, a burst pipe can occur from pressure. Other times shifts occur during winter because the extremely cold temperatures cause your pipes to contract. Additionally, the water pressure increases due to the change in the size of the pipes during this period. Both occurrences cause friction, putting pressure on your pipes. This pressure causes them to burst.

Poor Design

Pipes that are poorly designed can also lead to a burst pipe. For example, if your junction has been poorly designed, a crack can easily occur in your pipe. This is because the pipes do not have enough strength to handle the pressure. To prevent this problem, always make sure that you hire an experienced engineer to design the pipes and junctions.

Signs of burst pipes

Below are signs that indicate that you are likely to have a burst pipe.

1. Change in water pressure

When you turn on your taps or shower and you see a significant decrease in the amount of water coming, it is possible you are experiencing a burst pipe. Therefore, you should immediately turn off your water supply and call a plumber

2. Leaking

If you find that you are losing water through your pipes, it is possible that there is a leak somewhere in your pipe. To locate its source, check out the floor and walls for signs of wetness.

3. Discolored water with a strange smell

If you notice that your water has a strange, unpleasant smell or if the water has turned green or brown, this could be a sign of a burst pipe. You need to immediately turn off your water supply and call a burst pipe plumber.

4. Increased water bill

If your water bill has increased drastically, it could be because of a burst pipe. This is the case because when a pipe bursts, it leaks uncontrollably. As water is wasted, your bill increases. Moreover, if water is leaking from your meter, it will increase your meter reading and raise your water bill.

5. Gurgling sound when running water

A burst pipe will cause a gurgling sound when you run water through it. This is because the water is leaking uncontrollably, and you should be able to see it in the form of a leak.

What to do when you have a burst pipe in your home

Below are things you should do if a burst pipe develops in your home.

1. Turn off the water supply

If you have a burst pipe developing in one area, you should immediately turn off your water supply to that area only. You should not turn off the entire water supply because it will cause water pressure problems in other areas of your home.

2. Do not use your taps or showers

If you have a burst pipe, you should immediately stop using all your taps and showers. You should also stop using any sinks or baths that are near the burst pipe.

3. Turn off your hot water and cold water supply

If you have a broken pipe, you should turn off both the hot and cold water supplies. This is to avoid further damage to your pipes and to prevent the leak from spreading. If you do not, you may find that your whole system is damaged or even burst.

4. Call a professional burst pipe plumber

After you have turned off your water supply, you should immediately call a professional burst pipe plumber. The plumber will come and assess the problem to ensure that there is no further damage done to your pipes or the surrounding area. They will then be able to install new pipes or patches to fix the problem.

Geelong 24 hour Plumbing

Our company has great experience in repairing burst pipes and unclogging drain pipes. We are also adept at replacing old pipes and installing new ones. Our services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in all areas of Geelong.  Call us today and you will get our immediate and professional service. Our contact phone number is 1300 368 866 or visit our website at https://www.geelong24hourplumbing.com.au/