The Many Solutions to a Burst Pipe

Burst pipes, whether they be made of copper, PVC, CPVC or some other material are a scourge of homeowners. The good news is that burst pipes can be fixed fairly easily. Even a layperson can effect a temporary repair until a professional plumber shows up.

What Can Cause a Burst Pipe?

Burst pipes can be caused by a great many things. Many people think that a burst pipe is a problem of winter weather. While it’s true that freezing water can burst pipes, it’s far from the only culprit. Pipes can burst in all seasons. Other things that make them burst are:

 Clogs severe enough to block the flow of water

 High temperatures. The very heat of the sun penetrating through the soil to an underground pipe can cause it to burst.

 Invasive tree roots. Trees and shrubs can enter tiny holes in sewer pipes in the search for nutrients. Sometimes they become so invasive that they can cause the pipe to burst. The tangle of roots may be so dense that it takes on the shape of the pipe.

 Age. Plumbing pipes can last for a long time, but time can still cause them to break down.

 Corrosion caused by hard water. Hard water has high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, which cause a crust called limescale to form inside plumbing pipes. If limescale builds up enough, it can cause pipes to burst.

 Soil that is so dry that it makes underwater pipes shift and crack

 Water pressure that’s too high

 Accidents. Damage to underground pipes is one reason that heavy machinery shouldn’t be placed in the area where these pipes are buried.

 Improper installation. Pipes that are poorly installed are much more prone to breaking and bursting.

What Issues Can a Burst Pipe Lead To?

A burst pipe that’s not repaired can lead to problems that can be frankly catastrophic. If the flow of water isn’t turned off, it can cause a flood that can pretty much destroy a home. Burst pipes also lead to spiking water bills. If the homeowner has a private well, a burst pipe can deplete the well and eventually cause it to burn out and fail.

The Many Solutions to a Burst Pipe

There are many solutions, both permanent and temporary, to a burst pipe. First, the homeowner has to turn the water off at the main valve. If the water is controlled by a pump, they should turn off the pump at the circuit box. Then, the fixtures need to be opened up to ease pressure. Homeowners should remove as much water as possible, take pictures of the damage for their insurance company, and turn on a dehumidifier.

The pipe itself can be temporarily fixed by a repair sleeve or an adjustment tool before the plumber arrives. Metal clamps, epoxy putty, and even a piece of rubber and a clamp are also good temporary solutions to a burst pipe. If the homeowner believes they can fix the problem themselves, they can wait till the pipe is completely dry and solder or glue in a new section.