Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. They can also result in extensive water damage, especially when cold weather makes it impossible to turn off the water supply quickly enough. It’s important to know how to prevent burst pipes before they occur. However, there are many things you can do to prevent pipe problems in the first place, like regularly checking for leaks, ensuring proper insulation and more. This handy guide from a plumber in Toronto lists the most common causes of burst pipes, along with tips on how to avoid them.
Extreme Weather Conditions:
When the temperature drops below freezing, water in pipes can freeze and expand. This expansion causes the pipe to burst. Freezing pipes can happen in any time of year; it’s not just a winter problem.
To prevent freezing pipes, you’ll need to take certain steps, such as keeping your home well-insulated and providing extra protection for any exposed pipes outside your home.
If you suspect your pipes are frozen or have frozen, turn off the main water valve near the entrance of your house or building. If you cannot locate this valve, contact a plumber to find it for you.
Once the water is shut off, open up all faucets on that level to allow any remaining unfrozen water in the system to drain out completely. When done, an expert plumber will start thawing frozen pipes for you.
Bad Pipe Quality:
According to an expert plumber in Toronto, poor pipe quality is the most common cause of burst pipes. If you have seen any water leaking near or under your home, then you may have a leak in one of your pipes.
Poor quality pipes will often leak or burst, which can lead to flooding in your home or business. If you live in an area that is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, or floods and have a buried waterline, it is especially important that your pipes are of good quality and durability.
When installing new pipes, it is important to choose high quality materials that will withstand regular wear and tear over time. You will need to contact a professional plumber who can come out and assess your situation. They can also help you determine if the pipe needs replacement or if it can be repaired.
Tree Roots:
Trees and shrubs need plenty of water to grow, and their root systems are constantly reaching out for more. If your property has a tree that is close enough to the house, it’s possible that the roots will find their way into your sewer line system. These root systems can cause plenty of problems if they’re not taken care of properly.
They’ll push on the pipe and break any weak spots in them. When this happens, you’ll notice sewage or wastewater seeping through your yard, which is something that you’ll want to avoid at all costs!
You may be able to get away with just re-lining your pipe in these cases, but sometimes excavation needs to be done as well. Either way, it pays to have some type of preventative measures in place.
One way is to keep any trees or shrubs from growing too close to your home by trimming them regularly and even adding wire mesh around the outside of the home. Another tip is to install a landscaping fabric underneath the plants that are near the foundation, so that their roots don’t have anywhere else to go.
Clogged Drains:
Clogged drain can also lead to burst pipes. Often times, when something goes wrong with the plumbing in Toronto, it’s because a buildup of hair or food has created a blockage in your pipes.
When this happens, water can’t flow through, which creates pressure and could eventually lead to a burst pipe.
This is an easy fix! To prevent this from happening, make sure you are using strainers on all drains. A lot of people don’t realize that they have this problem until they start noticing their bathtubs filling up quickly after their shower or if the water doesn’t go down after running it for a while.
If you notice any problems with your drains, get them fixed as soon as possible by calling a plumber.
Hard Water:
Presence of hard water is yet another cause of burst pipes. Hard water is formulated by the buildup of minerals in your pipes. This can often happen over time if you do not keep up with the maintenance on your home’s plumbing. Fortunately, there are some ways that you can prevent this from happening. One way would be to use less soap and detergent, which will reduce the build-up in your pipes. Another way would be to get a filter for your sink that filters out any calcium or magnesium that might be building up inside it.
A burst pipe can be a big mess to clean up and repair, but even worse, it can result in water damage to your home’s structure and your belongings. Pipes are difficult to reach and can also be hidden behind drywall or under floors, so repairing them can be challenging. That’s why it is imperative to take the right measures for preventing burst pipes, especially during the harsh cold conditions of winter. Get in touch with an emergency plumber in Toronto for assistance.