As a homeowner in Rockville, MD, the last thing you want is for your water pipes to break, wreaking chaos in your otherwise tranquil house. This is, unfortunately, one of the most common plumbing problems, affecting houses of all sizes.
Furthermore, water pipes burst on a frequent basis. Furthermore, this is likely to cause significant damage to your walls, floors, or personal belongings. In the worst-case scenario, it might also cause flooding inside your home, necessitating flood cleaning.
However, it's worth noting that water supply pipes are built to last. They're designed to sustain high pressure, not burst, and persist for a long period. As a result of this, burst pipes nearly usually result in serious structural damage.
Understanding why they happen in the first place is one effective technique for preventing them. On that note, the four most common causes of burst pipes are as follows:
- Extreme Temperatures- Low winter temperatures can do significant harm to your plumbing system. They can cause the water within your pipes to freeze, causing the walls to expand and put greater strain on them. This pressure will build until it can be released, eventually bursting your pipes. To avoid this, insulate your exposed water supply pipes as soon as the winter months arrive. Maintain a steady temperature in your house of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Water Hammer- Hydraulic shock is a pressure spike that occurs when a water line is switched on or off suddenly. When a faucet, valve, or other water appliance is turned off, the water is forced to come to a standstill. However, it will not just stop; as it changes direction, it will search for a suitable location. It regularly slams into the walls of the pipe or the shut-off valve in your system. This is the source of the pounding sound. If left unchecked, a water hammer can damage the joints in your plumbing system, causing your pipes to explode.
- Abnormal Water Pressure- Water pressure isn't harmful in general; after all, it's what keeps your water supply pipes running smoothly. A sudden increase in it, on the other hand, might easily bust your pipes. It can also cause major problems with your faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures. You may use a pressure gauge to see if your water pressure is too high or too low. In most homes, the typical water pressure is between 30 and 50 psi (pounds per square inch). If it's over 60 psi, you should get professional assistance right away. Your quick thinking might be the difference between disaster and averting disaster.
- Corrosion- As previously said, pipes are designed to withstand tremendous pressure. They're also constructed to last a long period. However, this does not imply that they will always be in good shape. They become increasingly rust-prone with time. It's also worth remembering that rusted pipes can quickly burst or close off, stopping water from flowing. The best way to avoid this is to have your water supply pipes fixed or replaced, especially if they haven't been updated in a long time.
One of the scariest and most unpleasant things that may happen in your house is a pipe burst. The good news is that you may prevent such chaos in your own house by taking measures. Begin by making a list of the four common reasons mentioned above and keeping an eye out for them. Finally, in order to avoid stressful damages and expensive repairs, you must take the necessary steps to address them as soon as possible.
If you're dealing with the aftermath of a busted pipe,
Restoration 1 of Rockville will help you get back on your feet quickly. Contact one of our highly qualified restoration technicians right once to get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.