Deep Dive: What Causes Pipes to Burst?

6 min read

No homeowner wants to wake up to the sound of rushing water. The thought of water infiltrating living spaces, ruining floors, and compromising your home’s structural integrity can be daunting enough. However, it becomes even more heartbreaking when you consider the extent of repairs needed and how costly they will be.

Unfortunately, this scenario is not an uncommon occurrence in a majority of households across the United States. Burst pipes can cause extensive property damage and require immediate action. So, what causes pipes to burst? And how do you prevent it from happening?

In this blog, we take a deep dive into the factors that cause this event and provide maintenance tips to prevent pipe bursting.

Why Do Pipes Burst?

In February 2021, thousands of Texas homeowners were greeted with the sound of rushing water from burst pipes caused by record-low temperatures. The same incident happened a year later in Deep South areas as officials declared a state of emergency due to pipe bursts that leaked millions of gallons of water, threatening the region’s water supply.

But why did the pipes burst in the first place? In both instances, low temperatures caused the waters inside the pipes to freeze and expand. Here is a breakdown of how this phenomenon leads to pipe bursting:

1. Water Expansion: Water is a unique substance that expands as it freezes. Other materials contract when they freeze, but water expands by approximately 9% when it turns into ice, causing it to occupy more space than its liquid state.
2. Pressure Build-up: Water freezes from the edges and moves inward. As it continues to expand, it exerts pressure on the unfrozen water contained in the pipe. But with nowhere to go, the pressure builds up inside the pipe, causing it to swell.
3. Pipe Material and Structural Integrity: Pipe materials can only withstand a certain amount of internal pressure. The amount of pressure they can withstand will depend on the material used, with metal pipes capable of withstanding higher amounts of pressure than PVC and other plastic materials. Metal pipes can also expand to a certain extent when the pressure increases, but plastic pipes are less flexible and can crack or burst immediately.
4. Material Rupture: Pipes burst when the amount of pressure cannot be released and exceeds the maximum amount of pressure the material can withstand. However, the actual burst doesn’t necessarily happen at the point of blockage. Instead, it often occurs between the blockage and a closed faucet or valve.

What Causes Pipes to Burst? Other Factors That Contribute to Pipe Bursting

While frozen pipes are the main culprit, they are far from the only cause. Other contributing factors can lead to this plumbing nightmare, including the following:

• Pipe Age: Like any other component of a home, pipes have a lifespan. Over time, wear and tear become inevitable. Aging pipes are more susceptible to corrosion, rust, and deterioration of material integrity. As pipes age, their structural integrity weakens, making them more prone to bursting.
• Corrosion and Rust: Corrosion is a silent threat that can go unnoticed until it reaches a critical point. It is a consequence of chemical reactions between water and the material of the pipes that weaken the pipe walls, making them more susceptible to ruptures.
• Water Pressure Fluctuations: Water pressure is a delicate balance – too high, and it strains the pipes; too low, and it can lead to pipe collapse. High water pressure puts undue stress on pipes, making them vulnerable to bursting. Conversely, low pressure can cause pipes to collapse under the vacuum effect.
• External Factors: Pipes aren’t immune to external influences. Construction work, excavation, or even nearby tree roots can exert pressure on pipes, causing them to crack or rupture. Physical damage to pipes from external sources can weaken their structure and integrity.
• Material Quality: The material from which pipes are constructed plays a vital role in their longevity and susceptibility to bursting. Different materials have varying resistance to corrosion and other forms of damage. Older homes may have pipes made from materials that are now considered outdated and more prone to issues.
• Poor Installation: Improper installation of pipes can create weak points in the system, making it more susceptible to bursting. Poor installation practices can lead to structural vulnerabilities, such as incorrect pipe sizing, insufficient support, or faulty connections.
• Movement and Shifting: Over time, houses can settle, and the ground can shift, which may cause the pipes to move slightly. Even small movements can strain pipe connections. If this movement is significant or repeated, it can lead to a rupture, as pipes are not designed to withstand substantial structural shifts.

Tips on How to Prevent Pipe Bursting

Staying vigilant is the key to keeping your pipes from bursting. Consider the following maintenance tips to eliminate all risks and ensure your pipes are well-maintained:

• Keep your home properly insulated, and consider pipe insulation to prevent freezing.
• Regularly inspect old pipes and replace them before they pose a risk.
• Install a pressure regulator to monitor and maintain safe water pressure levels in your plumbing system.
• Regularly clean your drains and avoid disposing of inappropriate materials down the sink or toilet to prevent blockages.
• Have your home’s foundation checked periodically, especially if you notice signs of shifting or settling.
• Always employ qualified professionals for plumbing work to avoid the risks of poor installation.

Seek Professional Assistance After a Burst Pipe From Restoration 1

Don’t let the aftermath of a burst pipe dampen the comfort and safety of your home. An unexpected rupture in your plumbing can lead to extensive water damage, putting your property and personal belongings at risk.

In light of these events, it is imperative that you act swiftly to mitigate their impact. When disaster strikes, you need a trusted partner to navigate the crisis. Restoration 1 is your go-to expert for immediate and comprehensive solutions.

Our certified professionals specialize in eradicating all signs of water damage, ensuring your home is restored to its pre-disaster condition. We remain available 24/7, ready to assist you.

Contact us today!