Pipe Bursting Problem: Top Reasons, What You Should Do, And When To Call Your Emergency Plumber | San Antonio, TX
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The last thing anybody wants to happen in their home is a pipe bursting. Whether it’s a small pipe or a big pipe, they all have the potential to damage your property and possessions in innumerable ways.
Getting a burst pipe fixed by an emergency plumber is necessary but while you wait for the experts to get there, there are some things you can do to minimize the extent of damage caused. Whether you live in San Antonio, TX, or anywhere else, there are some common reasons why pipes burst in the first place.
Frozen Water in Pipes
While the weather in San Antonio, TX doesn’t allow the occurrence of frozen water in pipes to occur often, increasing instances of cold waves and the polar vortex have made it necessary for you to be prepared for this situation.
When water freezes in your pipe and more water constantly accumulates around the frozen water, the resulting pressure will lead to a pipe burst. If your area is facing freezing temperatures, it is ideal to keep your faucets on a slow drip to ensure constant running water.
If your pipes burst even after precautions, turn off the water supply in the area where the pipe burst (bathroom or kitchen) and contact an emergency plumber.
Old Plumbing System
An old plumbing system, specifically those that use lead or polybutylene for the pipes, is more prone to burst or cause leakages in your home. All pipes, however, are only meant to last for a specific period after which it is ideal for you to replace them.
While an emergency plumber can help plug up the burst pipe, you may require extensive pipework done in your home if the cause for burst pipes is due to the pipes themselves.
Getting your pipes regularly inspected and maintained can extend their life and let you know when they need to be replaced. An emergency plumber can also conduct these services at your home.
Clogged Pipes
One of the common reasons for burst pipes in any area, clogged pipes can cause quite a headache. Constant accumulation of water, limescale, or even grease or fat on your pipes can lead to sudden pipe bursts.
You will begin to notice that the water is draining less quickly when the problem is in a clogged drainpipe. For other pipes, you have no way of knowing until an emergency plumber inspects the pipes.
Clogged pipes are dangerous because when they suddenly crack or burst open, the clogged sediments can also spill out of the pipes. You have to clear the area as soon as possible and lay a plastic tarp underneath the pipe. Switching off the water supply is also recommended.
Corroded Pipes
You will only face an issue with having a corroded pipe if your pipes are made out of metallic material. Your metal pipes are bound to become corroded over time, even when you are performing regular maintenance and cleaning.
With plastic pipes, you may experience that over time, regular usage makes them brittle and easily breakable. When you experience a pipe burst because the pipe has worn down, contact an emergency plumber and look for plastic coverings that can contain the pipe while the plumber gets there.
High Water Pressure
All water pipes can handle a specific level of water pressure and when they reach their capacity, they end up bursting. The water pressure each pipe can handle is usually provided when you’re getting the pipes installed or somewhere on the pipe itself.
In situations where you’re using a lot of water from a specific outlet, the pipe (especially if it is a narrow pipe) can become overloaded and face an increase in pressure. It will lead to an abrupt burst that can be stopped temporarily when you switch off the main water supply.
An emergency plumber can replace the pipe and advice you on the best way to prevent over-pressuring your pipe system in the future.
External Factors
Several areas in San Antonio, TX are more vulnerable to weather damage in their homes due to floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural calamities. Extreme forces acting upon any pipe in your home can also lead to an abrupt burst.
In these cases, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it from happening. An emergency plumber may also take time to arrive in cases of turbulent weather. If the pipe burst isn’t large, you can use adhesive or epoxy sealants to prevent the pipe burst from becoming bigger.
What Burst Pipes Can Do
A pipe burst can wreak havoc in your home in visible and invisible ways. If it takes you time to discover the origin of your burst pipe, it can have already caused significant damage to your property and possessions. Vigilance is important when it comes to detecting and fixing leakages and burst pipes.
Mold will be one of the first signs of water damage on your property. It is especially worrying for people who have respiratory problems. Water damage from burst pipes can also cause decaying and warping on your furniture, house structure, and other components over time.
Electric wiring and your insulation are other areas where water can penetrate and cause immense damage. If your burst pipes are not controlled in time, you will end up having to pay more for multiple repairs in your home.
Control Burst Pipes and Contact Emergency Plumber Services in San Antonio
The first thing to do when you have a burst pipe after shutting off the water supply to the area is to open a faucet. It will relieve the water pressure in your pipes and drain any remaining water in the pipes.
Start getting rid of the water and lay a plastic tarp or bucket to collect any water in areas where water is still leaking. You can also place rubber or sealant over the leak as a temporary fix.
Need Immediate Help with a Burst Pipe? Our Experts Are Always Available
There’s no good time to have a burst pipe in your home, but when you need an emergency plumber to contain the damage, our plumbing technicians at bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of San Antonio are on call 24/7 to help you out.
Get a quick resolution to your burst pipe worries when you have our affordable and reliable professionals repairing it for you. Call us now at 210-876-1629 for immediate services.
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