What Causes Pipes to Break?
When a pipe bursts in your home, you might wonder what went wrong. While it may seem unexpected, several common factors lead to pipe damage.
Here, we break down the causes of pipe breaks and how you can prevent them.
Common Causes of Pipe Breaks
1. Lack of Proper Maintenance
Neglecting regular plumbing maintenance increases the risk of pipes breaking. Over time, small issues can escalate into serious problems like cracks or leaks.
2. Incorrect Disposal of Waste
Flushing inappropriate items such as food waste, grease, or hygiene products can cause clogs and corrosion, eventually leading to broken pipes.
3. Tree Root Intrusion
Tree roots often grow toward water and can aggressively infiltrate sewer or water lines, causing significant damage.
4. Extreme Weather
Older, outdated pipes are vulnerable to expanding and contracting due to extreme weather conditions. This stress can result in cracks or bursts, especially during freezing temperatures. Advances in plumbing materials and code regulations have made newer systems more resilient, but older systems are at higher risk.
5. High Water Pressure
Water pressure exceeding 60 PSI can put stress on your pipes and fixtures, much like high blood pressure affects the body. Regularly monitoring your home’s water pressure can prevent this.
6. Age and Natural Corrosion
Pipes naturally corrode over time, especially when exposed to certain soil conditions. This corrosion weakens the pipe structure, increasing the likelihood of a break.
How to Prevent Pipe Damage
1. Schedule Preventative Plumbing Maintenance
Annual inspections by licensed plumbers help detect hidden leaks and maintain the efficiency of your plumbing system, reducing the risk of pipe breaks.
2. Be Mindful of What Goes Down the Drain
Avoid tossing items like coffee grounds, eggshells, stringy vegetables, pasta, and grease down the drain to prevent clogs and corrosion.
3. Avoid Corrosive Materials
Chemical drain cleaners and harsh substances can accelerate corrosion. Opt for safer alternatives to protect your pipes.
4. Prevent Tree Root Intrusion
Plant trees and shrubs away from pipelines. ABC Plumbing can help with locating pipes and preventing root damage.
5. Protect Pipes from Freezing
In colder months, insulate outdoor spigots, let faucets drip, and open cabinets to allow warm air to reach indoor pipes.
6. Monitor Water Pressure
Ensure your water pressure stays within the recommended range (40-60 PSI). If it’s too high, consider installing a pressure regulator.
Why Hire ABC Plumbing?
ABC Plumbing is committed to protecting your home from plumbing issues. We proudly serve Tarrant County and the surrounding areas with reliable, professional plumbing services. Here’s why you should choose us:
⦁ Emergency Services: We understand that plumbing emergencies don’t follow a schedule, which is why we offer after-hours and weekend services. Whenever disaster strikes, we’re ready to help.
⦁ Free Onsite Estimates: Plumbing repairs can be stressful and expensive, but we ease that burden by offering free onsite estimates, ensuring you understand the scope and cost of the work upfront.
⦁ Licensed and Insured Professionals: Our team of licensed plumbers is equipped to handle any job, big or small. We offer warranties on our work, giving you peace of mind that the job is done right.
By choosing ABC Plumbing, you get top-tier service, emergency support, and trusted local expertise. Whether you need maintenance or immediate repairs, we’ve got you covered.
Contact ABC Plumbing today at 817-427-3222 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free estimate or if your experiencing a plumbing emergency! We proudly serve Tarrant County and the surrounding areas, keeping your home safe and secure.
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