Pipe bursting is not a foreign phenomena and each one of us must have gone through the trouble at least once in our lifetime. Even if you install the best and most high-quality pipe, it may burst after being used for too long. Let’s discuss all the important facts you should know about pipe bursting.

What causes pipes to burst?

As basic as it sounds, a lot of individuals are unaware of the primary cause that leads to pipe bursting. There are two main causes of an exploding pipe that have been identified. One is the change in water pressure and the other is the water freezing inside the pipe when the temperature drops. Let’s elaborate on this:

When clogging occurs, it also increases the pressure inside the pipe. If this pressure is too much to bear, the pipe expands and burst. On the other hand, when the temperature of your region drops below freezing point, it freezes the water inside the pipe. When the liquid coverts into a solid, it expands, and same is the situation when the water converts into ice. When the ice and pressure of the flowing water combines together, it increases the force inside the pipe and thus the burst occurs.

If your pipe maintenance took place long ago, you might be at a risk of facing a pipe bursting situation. It is important that you contact an expert to ensure your home and your safety, and prevent the chaos.

Consequences of Pipe Bursting

Pipe bursts trigger a panic situation in almost every household and require immediate action. However, you must act in a rational way, rather than doing things that will cause even greater damage. The smartest decision would be to call an expert, but while they reach your property, there are a few things you can perform on your own, to reduce the negative impacts. These include:

1. Turn off all the water supply, heating, and electrical connections.
2. Securing the wooden furniture by mopping away the water on it and placing it in another part of the house if possible.
3. If your cushions and sheets are wet because of the water flow, you need to place them in a ventilated area to dry.
4. To quicken the drying time, you should switch on the ventilation in the house and open the doors and windows if the weather allows it.
5. To avoid getting stains of colorful floor mats or rugs onto the carpet, you should remove them from the area as soon as possible.
6. If the water is visible on the floor, try removing it with a mop or any absorbable material.
7. Keep away all water sensitive objects and secure them in a dry area.
8. To prevent the carpet from staining, aluminum foil can be added as a layer between the carpet and the wet furniture.

You should also avoid turning on any electrical appliance until the water can been completely removed and the problem has been fixed

Preventing Pipe Bursting

Regular maintenance of the piping system is the most basic preventive measure which will help you avoid the circumstances of pipe breakage in the first place. Other ways to stop a pipe from bursting are:

1. To cutoff the water supply in the house and turn off the main valve after you see a clogged drain.
2. Check for pipe leakages and leaky faucets that might lead to pipe corrosion.
3. Turn off the water supply if the house will be empty for long.
4. Avoid installing pipes in heated or extremely cool areas as they face greater chances of eruption.
5. Get the pipes checked if they are making noises.

If your pipe maintenance took place long ago, you might be at a risk of facing a pipe bursting situation. It is important that you contact an expert to ensure your home and your safety, and prevent the chaos.