Water damage from broken pipes is one of the most common types of property damage people experience. Homes have pressurized pipes and water supply lines running through them; running to sinks, dishwashers, refrigerators, toilets, showers, and more. These pipes and water lines are made of a variety of materials ranging from cast iron to plastic, and they fail for a lot of reasons: they wear out, rust, break, get knocked loose during construction, or develop a hole.
Usually, when a pipe breaks, it is hidden behind a wall, under a floor, or above a ceiling. Property owners don’t notice the leak until it’s already bad enough to soak through whatever is covering it. And even a tiny pinhole leak in a pressurized water line can quickly flood a structure. When a pipe breaks, the water that is released destroys drywall, flooring, cabinets, and wood. The water can also lead to mold.
What Causes Broken Pipes?
There are several reasons that can cause this headache-inducing occurrence, ranging from the weather and environmental changes to physical trauma to your plumbing system. Whatever the reason is, broken pipes are a huge problem and some of the most likely causes are:
Pipe Corrosion and Aging – as pipes age, they corrode or wear down over time, making them susceptible to cracks, leaks, and breaks. Water pipe damage from corroded pipes may occur without warning, or it may start with slow dripping that worsens over time.
Blocked Pipes – when a clog occurs within your pipes, it can cause pressure to build up within those pipes. Too much pressure is going to cause a break. Your pipes can become clogged by several things like hair, toilet paper, oil, food, and more. When a clog occurs in your pipes, your drains and toilets may back up and this can cause a mess and some serious health risks.
High Water Pressure – water pressure is another common cause of pipe breakage. Intense water flow can cause pipes to expand to the point that they burst. Optimal water pressure for most home water pipes should be between 40 to 45 psi and never exceed 60 psi. Usually, your water pressure will be regulated, but there are times when a pressure regulator is defective and not doing its job properly.
Tree Roots – tree root encroachment near your water lines may lead to cracked, broken, or burst pipes. In most cases, your pipes are not strong enough to stop the tree roots from wrapping around the pipeline. This can cause blockages and cracks.
Freezing – cold weather is one of the most common reasons for burst pipes and it’s the most common cause of property damage in winter. When a pipe freezes, water may slow to a trickle or not flow at all. As the water within the pipes freezes, the water solidifies into ice and expands, potentially bursting the pipe which can no longer contain the volume. Improperly insulated pipes are at a high risk of bursting when temperatures fall.
Signs of Damaged Water Pipes
Not all busted water pipes flood the house in a matter of minutes. Sometimes, a break results in a slow leak that eventually causes extensive water damage to your property and belongings. Many homeowners don’t realize how much damage broken pipes can do their property. As water travels down it tends to spread out, causing more areas that need to be dried as well as potentially removed due to the damages.
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Changing water pressure
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Water discoloration and odors
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Water noises in the walls
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Mold and mildew problems
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Standing water or puddles under sinks
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Water marks or damp drywall
- The water bill is too high
Water Cleanup & Damage Restoration
If you suspect any broken pipes in your home and need help, contact the experts at Xtreme Home Improvement for immediate and emergency service. As a full-service restoration company, we provide water removal, water damage clean-up, as well as reconstruction. The process is seamless and you have only one company to deal with. Our in-house team is the perfect combination of skilled restoration technicians and damage repair specialists to return your property to its pre-loss condition. We take the hassle out of an already stressful situation by having all the necessary personal and equipment for complete recovery.