It might not seem like it, but broken water pipes are a great hazard to growing water loss. According to a report, burst or cracked water pipes cause 46% of the water damage in Australia. In case of broken pipes or leakage, you need to contact the nearest plumber to minimize the damage as much as possible.
As we know, prevention is better than cure. So, it would be best if you could prevent the pipes from getting damaged in the first place. Read below to find some common reasons for pipe damage. Plumbers in Allambie heights can help you with them.
Table of Contents
Freezing
Freezing is one of the common causes of burst pipes. Water can easily navigate when in its liquid form, but when frozen, not only does it grow sharp shards, but it also starts expanding. This can increase pressure on water pipes and make them vulnerable.
So, to prevent freezing, you need to:
- Ensure that your pipes are insulated
- Keep the house warm (use heaters)
- Don’t let the cold air in
If the pipes freeze anyway, cease the water supply immediately and thaw the frozen pipes. Contact a professional first thing.
High Water Pressure
Water under pressure can be dangerous. It can cut through anything, let alone some plastic water pipes. To prevent high water pressure:
- Make sure that your valves are adjusted properly.
- Make sure to get your pipes replaced or cleaned from time to time to avoid clogging.
- Install a device to regulate water pressure.
- Inform the utility company if the supplied water has high pressure.
If a pipe bursts suddenly, close the water supply and call a plumber.
Corrosion
Corrosion is not a problem with plastic pipes, but metal ones can be a problem. Corrosion eats away at the metal, making it fragile. It can also choke the pipes, or affect the water pressure. Some reasons for corrosion are:
- High water pressure
- Water minerals
- Acidity
There is no way to completely prevent corrosion, as the metal will get corroded over time anyway. You can get regular anti-corrosive treatment for your pipe with Plumber Allambie heights. Though it is not a permanent solution, it is better than changing pipes every time they start leaking.
Following are some ways to prevent corrosion:
- Perform water treatment to minimize water acidity and reduce corrosive agents
- Give preference to non-metallic pipes
- Avoid overheating
- Replace leaking pipes
- Make sure that water pressure is not high
Ground Movements
Ground movements like earthquakes, the soil shifting, or sinking, are a threat to underground water pipes. They are natural damage which makes prevention against them difficult. But you can prevent flooding if the drainage system is good and the problem is detected in time.
External Pressure
External pressure is another problem for underground pipes. Damage can occur if these pipes lose the protective soil due to soil erosion, construction activity, or heavy traffic. It is best to avoid human activity in such areas.
Aging
The older the pipes are, the weaker they become. So, get your pipes replaced every few years to avoid any accidents.
Final Overview
It is possible that despite all your efforts, your water pipe may burst anytime without any warning. So, it is better to have your plumber on speed dial. We at Pearla Plumbing aim to provide quick solutions and quality service for your burst pipes. Our plumbers are experienced and skilled. So, contact us anytime for any emergency, and we promise to be there with you.
