When you have a burst pipe, it can be a very stressful situation. Not only is there the potential loss of water in your home or business, but also the inconvenience of having to call out a professional υδραυλικος αθηνα and possibly paying for someone to come out and fix your problem.
If you want to avoid these issues, make sure that you have a good emergency plumbing plan in place so that you are prepared if this ever does happen to you.
How Does a Burst Pipe Work?
One of the most frequent home insurance claims made by homeowners is for burst water pipes, but what causes this to happen? And perhaps more importantly, how can you stop your property’s pipes from bursting?
A burst pipe occurs when the pressure inside the pipe increases to a point where it causes the pipe to break or split, usually at the weakest part. If it is not repaired quickly enough, it could lead to further damage and even cause serious injury.
There are several different types of pipes that could potentially burst, including copper, plastic, cast iron and galvanized steel. The most common type of pipe that bursts is the PVC (polyvinyl chloride) variety. While PVC piping was once considered a safer alternative, it is now banned from use due to its toxic nature and health risks.
Types of Burst Pipes
The two main factors that determine how easy it is to repair a burst pipe are the material and the size of the pipe. Larger pipes will have more surface area for the water to spread out over, which makes it harder for the water to build up pressure. Smaller pipes will have less surface area, making it easier for the water to build up pressure.
Copper pipes typically do not need to be replaced as often because they are resistant to corrosion. They are also relatively inexpensive compared to other materials. However, they are not as durable as some other materials. This means that they may require replacement sooner than expected.
Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes tend to be thicker and stronger than other materials. They are also cheaper to purchase. Plastic pipes are the least expensive option, but they are also the most difficult to replace. This is because they are thin-walled, meaning that they cannot withstand the same pressures as larger pipes.
It’s important to note that while all types of pipes can burst, it is unlikely that you’ll find the exact one that broke on your property. What you will likely see instead are signs of past problems with the pipe. These include bulges, dents, cracks, and leaks. In addition, you might notice that the color has changed in certain areas. For example, the color of the pipe in your bathroom or kitchen may look slightly darker than the rest of the pipe in the house.
How Can You Prevent a Burst Pipe?
Preventing a burst pipe requires planning ahead. Once you know what kind of pipe you have installed in your home or business, you should try to plan around the fact that it needs maintenance. By scheduling regular inspections and replacing any damaged parts before they become too large, you will decrease the chance of a burst pipe occurring.
You should also keep an eye out for the warning signs that a pipe has weakened. If you notice anything unusual about the piping in your home, such as cracks or leaks, you should contact your local plumbers to inspect the issue. Also, if you suspect that your plumbing system is leaking, you should take care to protect yourself by wearing protective gear like rubber gloves and goggles when working near the affected area.
While you’re waiting for these professionals to arrive, you can get the process started yourself using the following remedies.
Replace Your Worn Parts
Your piping probably won’t last forever, so it’s best to replace these parts before they fail completely. If your pipe is made of copper, you should expect it to deteriorate after approximately 15 years. Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes should last longer, but they still don’t hold up as well as you’d think. It’s recommended that you replace them every 10 to 15 years.
If you don’t have time to wait for your pipe to fail, you can check its condition by applying heat to it. Warm water running through a pipe will cause it to expand, which helps detect cracks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Repair Your Broken Parts and Cracks
Once you’ve determined whether a pipe is broken or cracked, you can start repairing it. To prevent the pipe from breaking again, you should put some sort of patch in place until you can get a professional to help you install a new piece.
You can cut out a section of the pipe so that you can insert a patch into the space. When you’re done, you will need to wrap the entire length of the pipe with duct tape to ensure that no water gets behind the patch.
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can hire a professional to help you. A plumber will be able to properly prepare the area, patch the pipe, and then seal the pipe, preventing any future leaks.
These are just some of the ways that you can prevent a burst pipe. It’s always better to schedule regular inspections and repairs than it is to face a huge bill down the road. Don’t let your pipes cause major damage to your home or business; act fast to save money and stress!