Of all the things that can go wrong in your home or property, issues involving water leakage are the most common. Though some issues are only small, such as a leaky tap or blocked drain, some are more serious and require immediate attention, such as burst pipes.
Though there are a number of factors that may cause a pipe to rupture, one thing is sure, burst pipes in your home or commercial property are far from ideal. They cause stress, can lead to serious water damage and are time-consuming if not dealt with properly. Of course, the best way to deal with burst pipes is to prevent the issue altogether.
Here is Water Damage Repairs’ guide to burst water pipes and their causes.
Corrosion
One of the leading causes of burst water pipes in homes and commercial properties is the occurrence of corrosion over time. Corrosion both weakens the pipe, making them more likely to burst and clog them up.
Whilst corrosion cannot be prevented entirely due to metal pipes being susceptible to wear from corrosive agents in water, steps can be taken to prevent it such as treating your water to minimise the presence of corrosive agents and avoiding high water pressure that could cause excessive wear.
Expansion
Another common reason for pipes to burst is the expansion of water in colder weather. As water freezes, its volume increases, causing it to occupy a larger area. If this expansion occurs within a pipe, the solidified form can put a huge amount of pressure on the inside of the plumbing system, leading it to burst.
The best way to avoid this is by using insulated pipes and trying to keep the temperature in your home from dropping too low. If, however, a pipe does burst due to freezing, you’ll want to call a burst pipe repair service immediately.
High Pressure
Finally, as briefly mentioned before, high water pressure can be catastrophic for the plumbing in your home or commercial property as it creates a force that the pipes cannot withstand. There are a number of causes that can lead to high water pressure, but the most common include clogged pipes and faulty valves.
If you notice your water pressure is too high, the following steps may help bring it back down to a suitable level:
- Check and adjust the water valve
- Clean your pipes to remove blockages and dirt that has accumulated
- Install a water pressure regulator
Burst Pipe Insurance: Water Damage Repairs
In the event of a burst pipe, no matter the cause, it is always best to call an expert straight away. Choosing a reputable service such as Water Damage Repairs means you will receive the assistance you require in a timely and cost-effective manner. From insurance claims to drying solutions, a trusted repair service will help you get your home back to normal in no time.
If you’ve got a burst pipe in your home, or have experienced water damage as a result of flooding, get in touch with Water Damage Repairs today. Our team are always happy to help. Call us now on 0203 011 3238.