Pipe bursting problems are very frustrating because they can cause irreparable damage to your plumbing system.
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Homeowners in Las Vegas, Nevada, are concerned about what to do if a burst pipe affects their house.
While this problem rarely occurs, it's critical to know what to do if a pipe bursts in your home.
Those without experience in the field often suffer water damage to their floors, walls, and prized items.
Nevertheless, when pipes burst, professional plumbers can assist homeowners in need. Your plumber should discuss the causes, signs, and how to respond when pipes burst.
Following these pointers will help ensure a lower rate of water damage to your home and rapid restoration of the pipe in question.
How to Identify and Solve Common Pipe Bursting Problems
Pipe bursting problems vary from house to house, but homeowners regularly encounter several common causes. It is not uncommon for a pipe to burst, so be sure to track your plumbing.
An easy way to keep track of your plumbing is to write down when your drains became blocked so you can take steps to prevent another burst.
With this in mind, you can try a drain dissolver to see if it can help eliminate the blockage.
Common causes of a bursting pipe include water pressure, a clog, worn pipes, and installation of new pipes that are too large.
Sometimes, a tree branch that falls into the streets near a water line can cause a burst pipe.
Pipes that come into contact with soil can also cause a burst. When you have new landscaping, have plenty of space between the soil and your pipes so that the dirt does not block the water flow.
Corrosion Caused by pH
Corrosion is a severe problem in pipes. Corrosion occurs when the pH level of water is not balanced. When the pipe finally gives out, it is usually because of corrosion or rust.
Because of pH imbalances, rust forms on the pipes over a long period, this compromises the strength of the pipe, which causes leaks and burst pipes.
In like manner, the pipes in homes with well water are more likely to have rust since the water contains more iron.
Do You Have a Frozen Pipe Situation?
In locations with severe winters, pipe bursting problems and frozen water lines can occur.
When temperatures fall below 32°F, the water in the pipes freezes, weakening the bonds between the pipes, which leads to cracks.
If you turn on your hot water and the temperature suddenly rises, the ice and the pipe result in broken pipes.
Therefore, keep your home warm to avoid this problem if you live in a region with long, cold winters.
Winter Pipe Movement Can Cause Damages
When pipes shift after winter due to cold temperatures causing them to contract, this is an example of accidental pipe movement.
In addition, there are also instances when pipes shift due to repairs to other parts of the plumbing or increased water pressure that shakes pipes. High water pressure in a particular area causes a pipe to burst.
Some Signs That Your Pipe Has Burst
Las Vegas homeowners typically notice flooding due to a burst pipe. With that said, plumbing emergencies can happen at any time without notice.
Bursts in water mains can happen for various reasons, usually manifesting as more than one signal.
If you notice more than one sign, a pipe has likely burst. Below are a few indications that you have a ruptured pipe.
Fix Your Puddles
When water puddles or drips significantly when you turn on the water, it's most likely a burst.
With this in mind, water pools under the pipes and through walls when there's a burst.
For example, leaks often occur under sinks, but puddles can also form around toilets and tubs if a pipe bursts. When there is a leak, the water usually stays under the sink.
Clogging Can Cause Big Problems
Clogging can cause pipe bursting problems. Therefore it is crucial to keep your pipes clean to avoid clogging.
A clog close to the drain does not cause much trouble for the pipe system, but if clogs develop deep in the pipes, the water pressure increases.
As a result, the water pressure builds around the clog, and the plumbing becomes blocked.
When the clog is deep in the pipe, the water has nowhere else to go and leaks outside the piping system.
If the metal cannot handle the pressure, the result is a ruptured pipe.
Burst Pipes and Water Pressure
A burst or leak may reduce water pressure at low points along a water line. Thus, water might flow through a burst pipe rather than through the faucet, reducing water pressure.
How to Find Where a Pipe Has Burst
If water stains are present on the wall, this indicates there is a problem with the pipes.
Finding where a pipe has burst is simple because water stains on the wall are one of the more helpful indicators because they will often appear where a pipe has burst.
What’s the Color of Your Water?
If the water in your home has a strange or unusual watercolor, it could be a sign of a pipe burst, high manganese levels, or rust.
Observe the color of the water and watch for signs of a burst pipe. If you see rust or high manganese levels, you'll need to have your pipes checked.
Save Money on Water Bills by Stopping Leaks
Pipe bursting problems and your water bill will skyrocket. Regular maintenance on your plumbing system will prevent these problems from occurring and keep your water bill low.
When a burst pipe occurs, water bills typically increase as excess water is wasted and more water is needed to achieve pressure.
Therefore, monitoring water usage and being conscious of leaks around fixtures is essential to avoid costly water bills.
Water Sounds: What’s That Dripping Sound?
Water sounds in the walls or a pipe rupture inside the wall might cause a constant drip.
Additionally, check your other water fixtures like toilets, sinks, and tubs to see if they are the cause before you assume a burst.
Pipe Noises: What’s Happening?
If you hear water noises in pipes, this is probably a sign of a leak or burst.
Water flowing through pipes may move or shake, which is one of the most evident signs of a leak.
In that regard, there is no need to be concerned about the water being unhealthy; you need to turn off the water supply and contact a plumber.
How to Handle a Burst Pipe?
To save money and prevent further damage, seek help from a professional on the repairs, but there are things you can do to reduce the water damage in your home.
In this sense, these procedures require little plumbing knowledge and are quick ways to keep water away from important things in your home.
Before your technician arrives, learn a few simple ways to keep water away from your home during a plumbing emergency.
Moreover, these precautions will help you keep your family safe during an emergency and ensure that your home is not damaged due to a plumbing issue.
Learn When to Turn off the Water
Turn off the water before a plumber arrives. It's easier to deal with the water already in the system. Wait to turn the water back on until the plumber says you can turn the water back on.
Don’t Let the Water Damage Get Out of Hand
Clean up excess water quickly after a pipe burst. Water damage is unavoidable even if a pipe bursts, but the sooner you clean it up, the less severe the damage will be in your home.
Cleaning and drying the area as quickly as possible is essential to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Drain Faucets & Toilets Before Disaster Strikes
Drain faucets and toilets and turn off the boiler/ heater to fix a water-damage situation. As a result, this helps relieve stress on the system and prevents more water leaks.
Heat Your Pipes to Prevent Pipe Bursts
Increase the temperature in your home. If the heat isn't enough, using a hair dryer to warm the pipes is a slow method of heating the pipes and preventing pipe bursts.
The Best Way to Dry Your Pipes
Air circulation is crucial for pipes to dry. The warmer the air, the faster the water dries.
So, if your home has poor air circulation, it will take longer for the water to dry. Even small changes in air circulation can significantly affect drying time.
For example, you can open your home with large windows or doors and let fresh air in from outside. You can also open up your ceiling fans and leave them on.
Pipe Bursting Problems? A Quick Fix for Burst Pipes
You can use a piece of rubber, wood, and clamp combination to fix a burst pipe in the short term. To do so, place a rubber chunk on the burst zone, cover it with a wood block, and clamp it down.
Consequently, this technique can delay the occurrence of another burst, but it lasts a shorter time than the sleeve.
Therefore, use this quick fix only in emergencies. You should contact your plumber immediately to fix the pipe.
Why Call a Plumber?
Keep damage to the minimum by calling a plumber as soon as possible. The plumber determines the cause, proposes solutions, and fixes problems. Regular maintenance can prevent damage to your pipes.
In the Final Analysis
Pipe bursting problems are often due to an improper installation of the pipe.
For example, poor pipe setup may result in leaks at the joints and may also cause burst pipes.
When you face problems with your pipes, getting them fixed as soon as possible is vital.
A water leak is a potential disaster. When a pipe bursts in your home, the result can be expensive and time-consuming.
With these factors in mind, it's crucial to ensure your plumbing system is functioning correctly and in peak condition before any disaster strikes.
Unsightly and downright persistent leaks are frustrating.
Fortunately, more and more people have been investing in preventative measures to help keep their water pipes intact for years.
You can't go wrong with a leak detection device when preventing water damage.
Moreover, these tiny sensors come in all shapes and sizes and alert you when there's something amiss in your water line.
Although they help, hiring a professional plumber is the best way to ensure your home's plumbing system is sound.