Water damage from burst pipe
Oh my! You walked into the laundry room and the floor is under water, water is spewing everywhere! What happened, when, and what causes a pipe to burst like that? Here in the St. Louis area, cold weather time of the year sees a lot of busted water pipes, but the weather hasn’t gotten that cold yet, so what’s the deal? Burst pipe repair was the last thing you needed right here at the start of the holidays!
If this busted water pipe isn’t from freezing temps that freeze water inside water pipes, what else could cause a burst pipe repair? A significant water pressure increase can bust a water pipe, or a faucet, the toilet, or other failed water fixture can cause the need for burst pipe repair too.
The results are not always pretty either with flooded floors and damage to the flooring, the furniture, and more. Besides freezing temps causing pipes to bust and lead to unexpected burst pipe repair, there are other potential reasons too. The four most common causes of water pipe bursting are:
- Frozen Water Pipes
- Moving Water Pipes
- Increased Water Pressure
- Pipe Corrosion
What causes these things to happen requiring emergency burst pipe repairs though? A quick review here and then we’re going to answer some frequently asked questions:
- Freezing Temperature: We’ve already stated this, and you’ve heard it countless times, but freezing weather can cause major problems for your home’s water pipes and emergency burst pipe repair. Yes, the cold temperatures will cause contraction in most things. However, when the water becomes ice, it expands and has more volume. That increases pressure inside the pipes and when it can’t escape through the faucet or spigot, it bursts out of the pipe, usually at a weak area, like a joint. This is why plumbers recommend leaving the water at a trickle in freezing temps to keep that pressure from building. Another step to avoid burst pipe repair emergencies is to insulate all the pipes before the temperatures start dropping. Keeping cabinet doors open under the sink is a bust too so that warm air gets to the pipes.
- Movement and Hammering: When water pipes aren’t rigidly attached, they move around when the water is turn on and off. This is distinguished by the sound of pipes clanging, or hammering, inside the walls or under the floors. With constant clanging or hammering, moving back and forth, the joint weaken and eventually, a joint will fail, allowing the pressurized water to burst, pipe repairs to follow. This can be avoided by making sure all the piping is securely attached as it should be and that there is no air in the lines. A professional plumber can check these things and adjust as needed.
- Water Pressure: Maintaining a normal water pressure is crucial for water supply pipes not to burst. A major increase in the pressure will lead to pipes bursting and that leads to emergency burst pipe repairs and possible expensive damage to your home. If you believe the water pressure in your home is too high, a professional plumber can check the pressure at each faucet and spigot. Or have the city to check the pressure at the meter. Most homes have a water pressure between 30 to 50 psi and should never exceed 60 psi to avoid emergency burst pipe repairs.
- Corrosion: Water pipes should have a long life span with years of reliable service, but not indefinite. Corrosion is inevitable, but it takes years for it to build up. It is caused by pH imbalance that takes a toll over time, especially if the water supply to your home is hard water and the pipes are galvanized iron. The minerals in the water slowly wear the galvanized coating, and the iron pipe beneath that coating is exposed. From there it, iron oxide or rust begins to narrow the pipe’s diameter, leading to emergency burst pipe repair needed.
Is a burst pipe an emergency?
A water leak in the laundry room that you can’t stop is an emergency and requires immediate burst pipe repair. However, a toilet running after it has flushed, isn’t an emergency. Then, there are environmental factors to be considered, like a rain draught in the summer. You shouldn’t let water just keep running. Nor do you want water running non-stop when the temperatures are below freezing. Common sense is needed before declaring you have an emergency burst pipe repair.
Can you fix a broken pipe?
Repairing a broken water pipe is doable whether it is copper or PVC pipe. You’ll need to turn the water main off and then simply cut the broken part out and insert new pipe, using plumbers’ tape to secure the new to the existing.
How do you fix a burst pipe?
There are videos online that can give you step-by-step instructions how to repair a burst pipe, and big box home improvement retail stores often have classes that you can take, even if you don’t have a burst pipe repair currently. Taking the class when you don’t have the immediate need is the best time!
How long does it take to repair a burst pipe?
There are several factors and situations that can affect how long it takes. A basic burst pipe repair job can take a couple of hours. If the pipe is under the house or buried underground, it could take a full day. How old your pipes are can affect how long the repair takes too. The older the pipe and the type of pipe can take longer if the piping keeps breaking while repairs are happening.
How do you know if you have a burst pipe?
A tiny water leak can do a lot of damage to drywall, flooring, and more if not addressed and repaired quickly. Finding a leak is the issue, so you need to know what are signs of a burst pipe. Some indications of burst pipe repair needed are:
- Water pressure changes
- Water marks and stains on ceiling, floors, and walls
- Water dripping, water puddles, water standing
- Discolored or odor from faucets
- Bulging pipes
- Water bill increased unexpectedly
Does homeowners insurance cover burst pipe?
Yes. No. Maybe. It all depends on what burst water pipe repair is needed and how the burst pipe happen. If the insurance adjuster determines the burst water pipe repair is needed because of homeowner neglect, then no, they will deny your claim. If the water pipe burst because of natural causes, like an earthquake, then yes, your homeowner’s insurance should pay for repair and any damage that was caused.
Every insurance company has different factors in determining what is covered and no two policies are the same. Review your homeowner’s policy every so often so that you know what is covered and what isn’t. Discuss your coverage with your agent once a year and consider any upgrades they may suggest. The insurance company will consider if you have a burst pipe vs broken pipe in determining a claim too. A burst is a wide open area where water is flowing freely and usually happens unexpectedly. A broken pipe is usually from a constant issue that could be addressed and fixed before the water did its damage, like a small leak. This is why you need to get a small leak fixed the moment you notice it. Call 314-348-7503 today for your pipe burst repair in St Louis, MO.