Burst pipes are amongst the most damaging household emergencies property owners can face. Whether there’s a small crack in your pipework or a complete rupture, the situation can quickly escalate and cause extensive flooding as well as damage to both belongings and potentially the structure of your home.
The risks associated with burst pipes
Burst pipes can pose a significant threat to your home and your safety. When pipes burst, they can send water pouring through ceilings and into floors and walls, which can cause huge amounts of damage in minutes.
Escaped water can soak into an array of materials, such as carpet and wood. This can lead to the development of mildew and mould, both of which have the unfortunate ability to cause health issues, such as respiratory problems and allergic reactions.
Time is of the essence
When a pipe bursts, water is immediately sent cascading from the rupture, so you’ll need to act fast to prevent unnecessary damage. Turning off your water supply is vital, as this will help to prevent structural damage to your property.
When looking for an emergency plumber Cheltenham such as https://www.hprservicesltd.com/emergency-plumber-cheltenham/, check that they’ve got the skills and experience to provide you with the peace of mind needed in what is likely to be a very stressful situation.
Why do pipes burst?
Pipes can rupture for a number of different reasons, including freezing temperatures, blockages, and corrosion. The good news is that many of these issues are preventable with a bit of care and a regular maintenance routine.
How cold weather splits pipes
Pipes are built to be robust, carrying water, gas and other substances day after day, but they can still crack and rupture. The most common cause is a change in temperature, and cold is the biggest danger.
When water is left standing in a pipe and the temperature drops, it freezes and expands. That expansion puts tremendous pressure on the pipe from the inside and can easily make it split. The damage may not show until the ice thaws and water starts to escape, which is why a burst often seems to appear out of nowhere after a cold snap.
Pressure from the surrounding soil can also affect buried pipes, although a properly built pipe should be strong enough to cope, so a failure from this cause usually points to a fault from the start. Protecting exposed pipework against the cold is one of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of a burst.