If you are a homeowner in Tucson, AZ, you will likely have to deal with malfunctioning pipes at some point. One common issue that people experience is a burst pipe. This can wreak havoc on your plumbing system and result in huge water bills. Let’s look at all the reasons for burst pipes, the preventative measures you can take, the signs of bursting, and how to deal with it when it happens.
Reasons for Burst Pipes
Clogging
Clogs are one of the major reasons that a pipe can burst. Should your pipe become clogged in an area that is close to the drain, this does not typically cause much of an issue for your pipes. However, water pressure can build up around the clog if it happens further down. Deep in your pipes, water cannot come back up through your drain, so it has no option but to leak outside the pipe, given enough built-up pressure. If this pressure becomes more than the metal can withstand, you wind up with a burst pipe.
Movement of Pipes
A burst pipe can result from an accidental moving of the pipe during a shift. These shifts result from repairs done to other areas of the plumbing system, pipe expansion after it has contracted during the winter months, or pipes shaking.
Corrosion
Pipe corrosion is a common cause of bursting. This is often the result of an imbalance of the water’s pH levels, but it can also be the result of rust. Both of these factors compromise the pipes’ strength over time, leading to a burst.
Tree Roots
If tree roots get into a crack in your pipes, they can begin to grow. They could contribute to a clog or even put enough pressure on the pipe to cause a burst.
Frozen Pipes
Pipes freezing over is one of the main reasons they burst. Pipe freezing should be a concern in any area where temperatures can drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which water in the pipes can freeze, weakening their bonds. Then, when the temperature experiences a rapid increase, you get pipes that shatter.
Preventative Measures
Drain Catchers
One of the simplest and best ways to prevent clogs from occurring deep in your pipes is to use drain catchers. These inexpensive devices catch food scraps in your kitchen sink and hair in your bathroom sink and shower. If used regularly, these little devices can do wonders as a preventative measure.
Do Not Put Oil Down Your Drain
It is vital to prevent clogging, so you should not put the cooking oil you use down your drain. Oil is thicker than water, and as its temperature cools, it can become more solid or attach to debris already down your drain, causing a clog or worsening an existing one. Always be mindful to dispose of your used oil appropriately.
Insulate Your Exposed Pipes
When temperatures dip below 32 degrees, exposed pipes can be susceptible to freezing. To protect your pipes, you can wrap them in foam insulation or fiberglass. As a short-term fix, you can wrap them in a towel, plastic wrap, or newspaper.
Heat Tape
Heat tape can be used to produce heat that can help keep your pipes from freezing. It attaches to your pipes and plugs into an outlet, generating a small amount of electricity.
Let Your Faucet Drip
Letting your faucet drip is a classic way to prevent your pipes from freezing and thereby preventing a burst. This is a solid preventative measure because even a slow drip keeps your water moving, and moving water is harder to freeze than still water.
Cabinet Doors
The areas inside your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can get colder than other parts of your home when they are closed. By keeping your cabinet doors open during the colder parts of the year, you can help prevent the exposed pipes inside the cabinets from freezing.
Maintain a Consistent Temperature
Maintaining a consistent temperature in your home is a helpful safeguard against having your pipes freeze. Setting your indoor temperature for at least 55 degrees and making sure that the temperature is the same throughout your home can do a lot towards preventing frozen pipes and bursting.
Update Pipes
It is important to have the pipes in your line checked for what kind of material they are made from. You may have an older pipe system that is particularly susceptible to corrosion, rust, or infiltration by tree roots. By updating your pipe system, you can help prevent many of the situations that could lead to a burst pipe.
Signs of a Burst Pipe
There are some common indicators to look out for that point to the likelihood that you have a burst pipe.
- Puddles of water in the home
- Lowered water pressure
- Large water stains on walls or ceiling
- Strange color to the water
- Increased water bill
- Metallic water smell
- Dripping water sound in the walls
What To Do When a Pipe Bursts
First and foremost, when a pipe bursts, you should shut off your water line immediately. This can prevent significant water damage to your home. Once this is done, you should call a plumber out to assess the situation and only turn the water back on once they say it is safe to do so. A plumber can also diagnose the problem, make the necessary repairs, and provide recommendations for how to avoid the issue from occurring again.
If you can, you should also clear any water that has pooled while you await your plumber’s arrival. This can help to keep the water damage to your possessions at a minimum. It is also essential so that there is no chance of allowing for an environment where mold and mildew can grow.
You should also drain your pipes once the water main has been shut off. This can help release the pressure in your pipes so that further damage is not incurred. If your pipes are frozen, you can slowly warm them by turning up the heat in your home.
Your Tucson Pipe Repair Experts
For Tucson area homeowners, there is no better area team for handling a burst pipe than Cal’s Plumbing. We have been providing the community with legendary service since 1948. That means that we have the experience, knowledge, and expertise to be trusted with your pipe repairs and maintenance. You can also count on our plumbers for a wide variety of other services, including everything from pipe lining to repiping to drain cleaning. All of the services we provide are done with the utmost care and respect for your home, just like if you were a member of our own family. Customer satisfaction is our top priority on every project, so you can count on us for exceptional service from start to finish. To experience what makes Cal’s Plumbing different in Tucson, give us a call today and schedule your appointment for plumbing services.
