Pipe bursts are never fun. They are sudden, damaging, and can be a pain to clean and repair. Not to mention, you also have to reconcile any damage that was done to your home when the water came rushing in.
Since Texas weather doesn’t often get low enough to cause frozen pipes, it’s less common than it would be in northern parts of the country. But there are other causes of pipe bursts that are notable, yet still preventable.
Frozen Pipes
As we said, frozen pipes are a common problem in colder climates. When pipes are too cold, the water inside them freezes. The ice expands when in solid form, creating excess pressure inside the pipe, which causes it to burst.
The best way to prevent frozen pipes is to keep your home above 55 degrees and to leave your faucets on a slow drip if the temperature is below freezing.
Corroded Pipes
Over time, pipes will experience corrosion. The rate at which this happens depends on the pipe material and how you treat your drains.
As pipes corrode, the material becomes weaker. When the material becomes too weak, it can either leak slowly or burst open completely.
You can prevent corrosion by only putting liquid waste down your drains (that does not include oil or grease). Also, refrain from commercial chemical drain cleaners, which are harmful to your pipes.
Tough Clogs
Even a clog can cause your pipes to rupture! This is even more likely when the pipes are also corroded. The clog creates increased pressure inside the pipe and eventually it can’t hold any longer. That’s why it’s important to clear a clog as soon as possible.
To prevent these pipe-stopping clogs, make sure not to let food down the drain. Popular clog-causing foods are coffee grinds, rice, pasta, and more.
Don’t Cry Over a Burst Pipe
At Mercy Plumbing, we’re here to help you with burst pipe repair, repiping, and drain cleaning (and a whole lot more). Contact us today at (832) 876-9498 to learn more about how we can help!
