Burst pipes are serious plumbing issues that can cause significant water damage to your property. Most people are familiar with the risk of burst pipes during the freezing temperatures of the winter season. It is easy to imagine how snow, ice, and plummeting temperatures can freeze leftover water inside pipes and cause these structures to shatter or break.
However, did you know that pipes can also fracture during the summer? In fact, weather conditions of the summer season often create the perfect storm that causes cracks or damage in both indoor and outdoor plumbing. But what are the main causes of broken pipes, and what should you do in the unfortunate event that this disaster occurs?
Why Do Pipes Break in the Summer?
Summertime is rife with sweltering conditions that can cause your pipes to burst. Common reasons pipes break during the summer include heat expansion, increased demand for water, hard water, or excessive water pressure. Other causes include summer tree root intrusion, clogged pipes, or rust and corrosion from old age.
Heat Expansion
Also known as thermal expansion, this refers to the tendency of objects to slightly change shape because of temperature changes. When the temperature rapidly increases, molecules in metal pipes gain kinetic energy. This causes the molecules to spread out and results in the pipes expanding.
If pipes are already weak or in a tightly confined space, this can cause the piping to fracture or break. Likewise, summer heat can also cause the soil around outdoor pipes to expand and loosen. This shifting soil can make older or weaker pipes susceptible to cracks or breaks.
Increased Demand
Pipes can also burst during the summer because of increased demand for water. Higher temperatures result in greater water consumption that can include filling backyard swimming pools, using sprinklers, washing cars, or simply drinking more water during the day.
This increased usage can damage pipes that have not been updated in a while. Many experts recommend scheduling your annual piping inspection before the hottest month of the year to ensure that your plumbing can handle the stress or pressure of greater usage.
Clogged Pipes
Summer often involves activities that increase the risk of clogs in pipes. These activities include outdoor gatherings, barbecues, gardening and lawn care, and increased showering from trips to the park or beach. From cooking grease and food scraps in the kitchen sink to weeds in outdoor drains, summertime can introduce unwanted waste or debris into your plumbing infrastructure.
Over time, this waste can create clogs that block water flow within your pipes. If too much pressure builds up behind a clog, the pipe can rupture or burst as a result. It is important to consult with a professional if you notice signs of a clog like unusually slow-moving drains or strange sounds or smells coming from your plumbing.
Hard Water
Hard water can impact the structural integrity of your plumbing system. If your water has a high mineral content, then mineral deposits like calcium and magnesium can accumulate in your pipes over time. These deposits harden into limescale that weakens pipes and restricts water flow.
Eventually, the pressure of attempting to force water through an obstructed pipe can cause the plumbing to burst. Before letting hard water cause a plumbing emergency, reach out to a professional to safely remove sediment or limescale buildup from your pipes. You may also ask about installing a water softener treatment to reduce water hardness.
Old Age
Pipes can also fail because of old age. Older metal pipes are susceptible to rust and corrosion that deteriorate pipe walls and weaken the fastenings of joints and seals. When subjected to additional water pressure or high water usage, these weakened junctures can rupture or burst.
Signs of rusting can include water that appears brown or yellow as well as water with an unusual taste. Corroded plumbing can also clog easily and may also make strange noises as the system struggles to do its job. A professional may need to replace old pipes if they have aged beyond their lifespan.
Substandard Installation or Repairs
If the initial installation or subsequent repair jobs fell below quality standards, your plumbing system will be more vulnerable to pipe rupturing or bursts. Examples of substandard installation or repairs include inaccurate soldering, poor insulation, ill-fitting connections, or inadequate support structures. Unqualified plumbers who lack experience or training can also attempt faulty pipe patches that do more harm than good. It is important to work with a qualified professional to avoid bad plumbing jobs that can lead to serious property damage.
Tree Roots
Many species of trees experience growth spurts during the summer. As trees go strong and thrive in the sunlight above the surface, their roots stretch deep underground in search of water and nutrients. These roots gravitate toward moisture and pinhole leaks in your underground plumbing. Once the roots breach the pipes, the intrusion can block your plumbing and cause pipes to burst. A professional plumbing company can detect harmful root growth or conduct a rooter service if intrusion has begun to occur within your system.
High Water Pressure
High water pressure can put undue strain on your plumbing system. Experts measure water pressure in pounds per square inch (PSI). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, standard residential water pressure should not exceed 60 PSI. If your household’s water pressure surpasses this threshold, your pipes may eventually burst. A plumber may need to install a professional pressure regulator to monitor household levels and reduce excessive water pressure as needed.
What Should You Do When Your Pipes Burst?
Professional intervention is key in the unfortunate event of a burst pipe. Steps you should take during this emergency include closing the water supply, contacting a plumber immediately, and limiting water damage as quickly as possible.
Close the Main Valve
When it comes to a burst pipe that can flood gallons of water into your home, you should act quickly since every second counts. The first step is to turn off the main supply or main shut-off valve. Depending on your location, this valve may be in the basement, behind the water heater, within the crawlspace, or stored under a metal lid behind the property. Review your home’s layout or get help on the phone while you wait for a professional to arrive. If you suspect the burst pipe is near any electrical systems, evacuate the home immediately.
Contact a Plumber
A burst pipe is a job for a qualified plumber. This is not something an untrained person can fix alone. For example, a professional may need to cut into the wall, ceiling, or floor to access burst pipes within the home. Plumbers may also need to dig trenches to reach ruptured sewer lines or other pipes outside. Depending on the extent of damage, the plumber may also need to perform complete re-piping in the affected areas.
Clean the Water Damage
Finally, it is important to remove any soaked belongings and clean up flooding that may have resulted from a burst pipe. Allowing standing water or excess moisture to remain in your home can encourage mold growth. It is also important to dry the area to prevent water damage that can warp wood or other structural elements.
Contact Us Today
Summer is a season of extreme conditions that can increase the chances of burst pipes. Fortunately, the experts are here to help. In & Out Plumbing & Construction provides piping services for homes in South San Francisco and the surrounding areas. We offer preventative inspection and maintenance that help reduce the likelihood of unexpected plumbing emergencies. Our plumbers are experts in leak detection, drain cleaning, and clog removal.
If you are facing an issue, we offer pipe repairs as well as trenchless line repairs or replacements. In addition to pipe problems, we can also service water heaters and gas lines. You can even reach out to us for expert help with your next kitchen or bathroom remodel. No matter the issue, we can help. Contact In & Out Plumbing & Construction today for all plumbing needs.
