Why do water pipes burst?

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Burst pipes can happen any where to any type of building. It sounds like a car backfiring, this loud pop sound, when these water pipes burst. The result is major flooding in the home and structural damage problems for homeowners. Here are four main reason why a burst pipe can occur:
1.Moving Pipes
2. Water Pressure
3. Corrosion 
4. Frozen Pipes 

Moving Pipes
Pipes can move around in the walls and ceilings if they aren’t secured properly and there is a sudden build up in water pressure. You can actually hear your water pipes making noise in the those cavities. If it sounds like they are clanging against each other, it’s called water hammer. This is where the pipes are moving back and fourth due to not being held in place properly. Over time these will become weakened at the connections until the water pressure is too much and it causes the connection to ‘pop’ and water will then escape and with in minutes the entire floor could be flooded.

Water Pressure
The water pressure must be kept at a normal setting in order for your water supply pipes to work and function efficiently. If you notice an increase in the water pressure this can cause for a pipe to burst. The increase in the water pressure will eventually cause a rupture in the pipe which will lead to a burst pipe. If you think your water pressure has increased, it’s best to check it out immediately. Grab yourself a pressure gauge and attach it to a sink. The pressure will move the needle on the gauge and display the water pressure in PSI. 
The water pressure in most homes is between 30-50 PSI which is sufficient enough and won’t cause any damage to the pipes.

Corrosion
Pipes are meant to last a long time but they can’t guarantee us reliable service for indefinitely. Over time, some buildings will experience corrosion which can cause the pipes to start to fail or decay. Corrosion is caused by an imbalance of pH in the water. It won’t seem like an immediate emergency, how ever over the years if ignored the corrosion will star to occur.

When buildings were first constructed the pipes would be made on galvanized iron, the minerals inside the water will start to slowly break down the galvanized coating and expose the iron pipe beneath. Once this happens over time the iron will turn to rust and gradually clog the interior of the pipe which prevents water from flowing through. As a result, your pipe may burst or the water flow may stop completely.

Frozen Pipes

In the winter months in areas that experience extreme cold weather, some serious issues arise for the water supply pipes in the homes. The water flowing through the pipe can become frozen. With ice having more volume than water, once frozen it will expand with in the pipe causing an increase in pressure. The pressure continues to build and the only way for it to escape is to force it’s way through the weakest section of the pipe. 
In order to prevent your pipes from freezing try to maintain a temperature of above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.