When a pipe bursts in your home, reliable pipe repair services can't come fast enough. Since this emergency can cause serious household damage, you should know some common causes behind the problem so you can take steps to prevent it. Learn the basics below to stay ahead of this significant plumbing issue.

Why Pipes Burst

Plumbing pipes can burst due to an insecure installation that allows them to move. Excessive movement over time weakens pipe joints, increasing the chance of a complete burst. Another potential cause is a clog that prevents water from flowing freely. As water pressure increases behind the blockage, it can make the pipe burst. Tree roots can also cause this problem because root systems always look for the nearest water source. As such, they often wrap themselves around pipes and increase pressure.

Wintertime pipe bursts usually happen due to freezing issues. If water within a pipe freezes, it naturally expands and creates more water pressure. This can make the pipe burst, especially if there's corrosion or other weak spots.

How It Can Affect Your Home

Burst plumbing pipes cause household damage in several ways. First, the water often saturates walls and affects plaster, stucco, or wood. If the electrical wiring behind the walls is also exposed to water, it can short circuit and increase fire risks. Additionally, without pipe repair and remediation services, water behind walls encourages mold growth that can cause health problems, including allergies and respiratory issues.

A burst pipe will also affect household flooring, causing linoleum and wood to warp and crack. Depending on the severity of the issue, water can even damage furnishings and decor, potentially ruining them.

How to Prevent Burst Pipes

Avoid this emergency by insulating the exposed pipes throughout your home, including those in the basement or garage, to keep them from freezing. Also, schedule annual drain cleaning to keep the pipes clear and use drain covers to control the amount of food debris entering the plumbing system. On particularly cold days, or when you're going on vacation in winter, open the cabinet doors so warm air can circulate the pipes.

If your home is older and the plumbing hasn't recently been replaced, schedule annual inspections with a local plumber. They can catch issues before they worsen to keep pipe repair and replacement costs reasonable.

To maintain your household pipes through winter and beyond, work with the team at King’s Plumbing. This company serves residents and business owners throughout the greater Cincinnati, OH, area, providing drain cleaning and pipe repair services. Call (513) 683-9935 today to make an appointment, or learn more about their offerings online.