A broken pipe can be hazardous. It can be risky to your health and your immediate environment. Prolonged negligence of pipe breakage can also form humidity, mold, or mildew. Cases of respiratory problems such as wheezing, throat infections, and asthma have been reported. This is a result of risks associated with water pipe breakage. When a water pipe breaks, the burst could damage ceilings, floorings, and walls.
Why do water pipes break? The reasons are discussed in this guide. Keep reading.
Common reasons for water pipe breakage
A broken pipe is a threat. To save yourself from costly pipe repairs, you need to understand what makes pipes burst. Yes, massive flooding can be very uncomfortable.
Several things make water pipes break. Before a water pipe breaks, there are few signs it shows and this knowledge would help you prevent breakage.
Below are some of the most common reasons:
Plant roots
Tree roots can be responsible for a Pope’s breakage. When they grow close to water pipes, cracks may occur which may eventually lead to a burst.
Plant roots are strong and most pipes can’t resist them as they grow. The best way to tackle this problem is not to plant trees close to underground water pipes.
Weak pipes
An old pipe is more likely to burst in due time. Old pipes will soon erode, meaning they can crack, leak, and eventually break. Weak pipes also go through the same phase. The most durable pipes are those made of steel. These pipes are sustainable from corrosion. Steel pipes rarely burst.
Always inspect your water pipes periodically to detect maintenance needs. This would ensure smooth-flowing pipes.
Freezing pipes
Freezing could occur during cold weather. This is often the cause of pipe breakage. Winter seasons have the highest rate of property damage, pipe breakages included.
The key reason why pipes break in winter is because of the frozen temperatures. During this season, water is more likely to freeze. Build-ups of ice can expand and add more pressure which is what makes pipes break.
Few steps can help you prevent pipe breakage during the winter. Pipes in heated locations are more likely to be safe from freezing during winter. Those laid in unheated attics garbage, and basements are more exposed to freezing. That’s not all – pipes in your cabinets are not safe.
Clogged pipes
Whenever a water pipe is blocked, chances are that it would burst. The pressure on a clogged pipe would build up and would soon explode. Too much pressure on pipes often makes them break.
Different things can make the pipes block. Stuff like oil, foods, toilet papers and hair are common for causing pipe blockage. They cause the toilet or drain to back up and eventually become risky to your health.
The best way to prevent water pipes from blocking is to be careful of things that are flushed down the drains.
Conclusion
However, you can always get a plumber to check your plumbing fixtures more often to avoid your water pipes from breaking.
