Within minutes, what started as a small leak can quickly turn into serious damage from a burst pipe. The good news is that most bursts have common causes, and a few basic preventative steps can lead to a significant reduction of risk.
Common causes of burst pipes
1) Freezing temperatures
It’s the biggie - when cold snaps come around. When water freezes, it expands. For example, it can split copper or plastic pipework within lofts, garages and external walls (or below kitchen units).
2) Age and corrosion
Corrosion from the inside of old metal pipes can cause them to slowly wear out, eventually leading to a break. It is a problem much of the time; you cannot even tell you have it until suddenly your water starts coming out discoloured, or pinhole leaks start appearing here and there, and damp patches emerge in some rooms.
3) High water pressure
Mains pressure too high (non-climate-related pressure spikes) – in plumbing boards, joints and fittings. This eventually leads to the breakdown of weak points.
4) Installation and home improvements or modifications done by you
A pipe joint that is not tight, a fitting installation error or a longer section of pipeline could cause leakage. In the case of supply pipework, bursts occur because the pipe was not correctly clipped, or a push-fit connection wasn’t fully seated. For an Emergency Plumber Gloucester, visit www.hprservicesltd.com/emergency-plumber-gloucester/
5) Accidental damage
Nails, screws and drilling into walls during renovations. Where the pipework enters your home from outside, the external pipework can also be knocked or cracked.
6) Blockages and trapped pressure
If a pipe or drain somewhere gets blocked, it will raise the pressure in the system. Along with sludge and trapped air, some issues put a strain on components in heating systems.
How to prevent burst pipes
Insulate vulnerable pipework
Insulate pipework in the loft, garage, outbuildings and pipes close to external walls = lag packpipes and remember to insulate outdoor taps and any exposed pipe runs.
In winter, keep some heat on. If you are not at home, keep the property slightly warmed rather than switching your heating off completely. Additionally, keeping the cupboard doors under sinks open can also assist in allowing warm air to flow around pipes.
Know where your stopcock is
During an emergency, quickly cutting off the water can help to minimise damage. Go find your stopcock now and check that it turns and keep the area underneath accessible.
Fix small leaks early
The clock is ticking; if you notice a discernible slow drip. It only costs more to try to repair a burst in the middle of damage.
Check pressure and fittings
Buying a pressure-reducing valve can be a good idea to ask your plumber about. If you’ve had any recent plumbing work, watch for wet patches or unaccounted drops in pressure.