What Caused That Pipe To Break?

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

How to prevent broken pipes

Are you hearing a drip or maybe water is gushing out of the walls? As the cold weather continues, many residents of Charlotte, NC, will experience frozen pipes, which tend to burst and leave your home full of water. While freezing temperatures are creeping up on us, especially at night, it is important to know what to expect. If you happen to encounter a leak in your house, it could be due to a variety of causes:

• An improperly installed appliance
• Clogged drain 
• Broken sink, bathtub, toilet, washing machine, or dishwasher 

What you might not be considering? The very real possibility of a broken pipe. A broken pipe can cause an enormous amount of damage to your home. In particular, the most amount of damage occurs when you don’t find the leak immediately or you don’t have direct access to the location of the break. 

Broken pipes occur for a variety of reasons: freezing, corrosion, and water pressure.

Freezing

With colder weather, extreme temperatures can cause pipes to expand and break. Once the ice melts, the water can flood your home. It’s important to note that pipes can freeze when they are exposed to temperatures below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. In particular, the pipes that are most prone to freezing are found in unfinished basements and in attics, or on exterior walls without insulation. Consider adding insulation to exposed pipes or adding extra insulation to exterior walls to prevent pipes from freezing. 

Corrosion

Older pipes tend to break down with age and require a trained professional to replace them. If ignored, it can cause an enormous amount of flooding. It is best to have a professional plumber come in and inspect pipes before any leaks happen. Keep in mind, depending on the year your home is older, the pipes may be more prone to corrosion than current copper or PVC pipes. 

Water Pressure

High water pressure can also be the cause of a pipe break in your home. When water enters your home it passes through a pressure regulator, and if that regulator is faulty, it can cause the pressure to rise exponentially. If the pressure gets high enough it can cause a pipe to break. Regular plumbing checks are a good way to prevent this issue. If a pipe does burst under these conditions, knowing where the water supply cut off is could protect your home from 

SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County is an expert in resolving water damage. If a pipe breaks we are there to help you clean up the flooding and dry out your home. Our project managers and technicians are able to help locate the source, clean the damage, and make sure to remove all of the moisture in your home.

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