Burst Pipes: The Causes | Plumber in Fort Worth, TX
Ever faced a pipe burst? What causes them? Whatever the reasons may be; pipe bursts can turn out to be really expensive and incur a significant amount of costs if you don’t take help from a reputed plumber in Fort Worth, TX, right away. However, if the problem is detected earlier on and fixed, then you may not have to face any serious consequences.
The damages caused by burst pipes are of compounding nature, which worsens the situation so much so that you may end up facing mold growth and structural damage. Even with just a small crack, your pipes can release as much as 10 gallons of water daily. Does this give you an idea of the consequences that you may have to face?
Before going on, early problem detection can help you save money, so get your plumbing system inspected by a plumber in Fort Worth, TX.
Tree Roots
Tree roots may cause pipes to burst. Roots grow in a direction that is towards a water source, and may start targeting the pipes. As they grow, the roots can wrap themselves around the pipe, pressurize them and eventually cause them to burst.
Your plumber in Fort Worth, TX would probably suggest to direct water through another way.
Corrosion
Pipes get corroded with age, and may burst simply because they are too old. The same can be the case if outdated materials were used for the pipe. Call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX; they’ll inspect your pipes and give you an estimate of their age.
Collapsed Pipes
Environmental changes can cause your pipes to collapse. For instance, if some construction takes place around your home, the soil may shift, and put weight on the pipe. Eventually, the pipe would rupture when the weight exceeds the bearable threshold.
Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can often lead to leaks, which if not treated, would cost the pipes to burst. If you turn on the tap, and no water comes out or only trickles out, then you probably have a frozen pipe. Another possible sign is when the pipe is when your toilet stops refilling after you flush. In any case, call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX when you observe any of these signs. They’ll turn off the main water supply and then fix the issues.
Frozen pipes become common when temperatures fall to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. But that isn’t a hard and fast rule. Generally, pipes can freeze anytime the temperatures fall below 20 degree Fahrenheit.
Water Expansion
Water is chemically composed of hydrogen and oxygen molecules. These bind together more tightly when they release heat into the cold surrounding air. Generally, as the molecules come close together, they should take less space, but water has a significantly different chemical behavior. So instead of taking less space, water in its frozen form takes up more space. This is because water expands as it turns into ice due to changes in it molecular pattern.
Considering your plumbing system, this water expansion puts a stress on the pipe as well as the joints that connect them together. Is this what causes the pipe to burst? Not really; the issue occurs when ice starts to form and blocks the pipe, preventing flow of liquid water. Also this ice doesn’t clog the pipe in one place, but at multiple locations. Upwards from the ice block, water can retreat back, but downwards, water is trapped. Eventually, pressure increases inside the pipe and can cause it to crack. Should more ice form and create blockages, the pipe can even burst. Generally, joints are more prone to leaks, but other sections may be affected as well.
What is the solution? Ask a plumber in Fort Worth, TX to inspect your plumbing system. You can reduce chances of freezing if you slightly leave on a tap; this would provide water an outlet and it won’t increase pressure. But yes, this is water wastage as well, and so should be avoided.
Prevention
Pipes burst can be prevented through a number of techniques. In all cold areas, insulated pipes are used and installed in heated areas of the room, away from the crawl spaces, attics and exterior walls. But in warmer areas, these precautions may not be taken. Through freezing is rare, it still can happen. Here are some ways in which it can be prevented, regardless of whether you live in a hot or cold region. Talk to a reputed plumber in Fort Worth, TX, and they’ll help you out.
- Insulate all external pipes and the ones that are in your crawl space and attic. Expenses indeed, but much less than the amount you’d have to spend should your pipes burst. This would keep pipes protected from cold and freezing temperatures. As an added precaution, cover the insulated pipes with heat tape.
- Seal leaks that can let in cold air from outside in your home. Check the area around your telephone, cable or electrical wiring, where leaks are more likely to occur. Caulk the area that is around pipes and vents.
What if the cold season has already begun? Here are some of the things that can help you, but do discuss the issue with a reputed plumber in Fort Worth, TX.
- Turn on one of your faucets so that water a slight stream of water drips continuously. Do this for both your hot and cold water taps.
- Turn on the thermostat so that the interior of your house remains warm.
- Leave open some of the cabinet doors remain open so that warm air can reach the water pipes that are near the sinks and exterior walls.
- If you suspect that a pipe has frozen, call a plumber in Fort Worth, TX.
Whenever you have a plumbing issue, call Benjamin Franklin plumbers in Fort Worth, TX. Our friendly team can take care of all issues such as burst pipes, blocked drains, leaking taps, inefficient water heaters or nonfunctional water filters. We can quickly identify the root issues and fix the problem that disruption is minimal.
Benjamin Franklin Fort Worth also offers installation services. Browse our website for more information or get a quote now.