Burst pipes can cause all sorts of serious problems around your property. When you’re standing in the damage caused by a burst pipe, sometimes the most confusing part is not knowing how this could have happened.
There are some surprising reasons that pipes can burst – find out more below about the most common causes of burst pipes on the Central Coast.
Wear and old age
Steel pipes typically last only 20 to 50 years, even though they are galvanised. If you’re living in an older property and have a burst pipe, it may be that your steel pipes have come to the end of their life. PVC has a longer life, so it may be a good investment to replace pipes as required instead of patching old pipes as they break.
Construction work
PVC pipes, while having a longer life, may be damaged by building work or construction. For example, if you find a burst pipe and notice that your neighbours have recently started renovating or excavating near your property boundary, it’s worth investigating whether this is the cause of your problems.
Rust
Metal pipes are prone to rust which eventually damages the pipe itself. Changing water pressure can make this situation worse.
If you’re noticing discolouration of your water (yellow or rusty brown water) or a tangy smell, the culprit may be rust in your pipes. Eventually, rust will weaken pipes and can cause bursting and damage.
Hard water
If you live in an area that’s known for hard water, then you may find this has a gradual impact on your pipes over time. While there’s not much you can do about water quality, build-ups of calcium and magnesium are the actual cause of the burst.
While you may need to replace the burst pipe, being aware of the cause can help you keep the problem from recurring. Proper maintenance and clearing can help avoid the issue.
Invasive tree roots
Invasive tree roots are an ongoing cause of burst pipes, particularly in sewage lines and stormwater drainage.
We do not recommend attempting to fix this problem yourself – you will need a trained professional to assist.
Many large trees have root systems that seek out any small leaks in pipes, and over time grow into the pipe or otherwise put pressure on the system to feed on the water within.
While you will need a professional to fix this problem, perhaps the best method of preventing this issue is checking beforehand that the tree or shrubs that you’ve chosen to plant have a shallow root system.
Wet and dry weather
Long periods of either wet or dry weather can cause changes to the soil around your home, cause pipes to move and shift.
The movement of pipes outside can also lead to pressure being put on the internal pipes.
In Australia, our extreme weather leaves us susceptible to extreme climate changes outside our homes.
Going from extreme hot to dry (or recently, very wet) conditions can mean pipes are having to handle a lot of movement. The result can be burst pipes and damage to your internal plumbing.
Poorly executed repairs
It may have happened before you purchased the house – a previous owner has tried to patch a problem themselves, resulting in a fix that eventually gives out.
A tradesman may have done a poor job or a quick repair. Whatever the cause, it always pays to have a qualified plumber make any repairs.
Qualified plumbers will stand by their job and have guarantees that cover their work should the problem recur in the near future.
It’s not worth taking the risk of trying to fix something yourself or using a cheap but unqualified tradesman. This can be very costly in the long run when you find out halfway through that you can’t fix the problem yourself.
Your pipes work hard every day, dealing with everyday life. Every day we are showering, running the dishwasher, and washing our clothes.
With such a load on the system at all times, the potential for burst pipes is there, but can be minimised with maintenance and being aware of the main causes to look out for.
As soon as you become aware of a leak, or if you have some of the symptoms above (drop in water pressure, discoloured water, obvious leaks around your home), you can call us at O'Brien Plumbing Wyong and arrange for one of our qualified plumbers to call out as soon as possible to help.
