What Causes Burst or Broken Pipes?
Knowing your enemy is always a good way to start combating burst pipes. The most common factors contributing to broken pipes include the following.
Corrosion
Nothing is immune to time, especially not your pipes. A combination of hard water, growing clogs, and cleaning chemicals can wear out the interior of your pipes. As the corrosion spreads and gets worse, the pipe can weaken to the point of bursting. Older homes without proper plumbing maintenance are especially at risk.
Freezing Temperatures
If you’re calling for burst pipe repair in Seattle, WA, it isn’t a stretch to say it’s because of extreme cold. Temperatures get downright chilly here, and when a particularly vicious cold snap hits, uninsulated and exposed pipes are prone to bursting. When temperatures dip low enough (around 32 degrees Fahrenheit), the water in your pipes freezes and expands as it shifts into ice. The pressure builds, and then you know how the story ends.
Pressure
Too much pressure inside your pipes can also cause them to fail and burst. It’s generally stated that the “sweet spot” for water PSI in your home is around 60. Once this number starts to blow past 80, you’re at risk for a pipe failing.
Water Hammering
You know that noise you hear from your pipes when you suddenly cut the water off from a fixture? That’s actually a small pressurized shockwave that travels down your pipes, and over time, it can also cause pipe breakage or bursting. It’s not just an odd noise; it’s a sign that you need plumbing services.
How Do I Know If I Have a Burst Pipe?
Luckily (or unluckily, depending on your perspective), burst pipes aren’t shy and quickly make themselves known. Here are some signs that you need burst pipe repair in Seattle, WA. If you notice any of these, don’t hesitate to reach out to South West, and we’ll take care of your broken pipes.
- Visible, rushing water. This feels obvious, but if water is actively flowing out from a wall or other alarming space, get on the phone immediately. This isn’t a small burst; you need immediate attention.
- Discoloration and staining. Odd stains and strange colorations on your walls or ceiling can indicate a leak from a nearby burst or cracked pipe.
- Water pressure drops. If you’re running your sink or in the shower and there’s a very sudden drop in water pressure throughout your house, that could indicate a burst pipe somewhere. As water stops flowing normally and is suddenly diverted, losing normal water pressure is common.
- Sagging in ceilings. This is another major red flag that should prompt you to seek immediate help. A sagging ceiling is about to buckle from an immense amount of water, and once it begins to sag, it’s close to bursting.
- Standing water and odd noises. Wet spots near walls or random areas of wet carpet that don’t resolve quickly are more warning signs. You also shouldn’t hear the sound of water moving around behind the scenes when your fixtures are turned off. If your water meter indicates usage while all of your appliances are off, a burst pipe could be the culprit.
- Unpleasant odors and mold. Water that seeps into your walls and becomes stagnant creates the perfect environment for mold growth. If unexplained patches of mold appear on walls, ceilings, or corners, followed by an unpleasant musty smell, there could be a hidden issue.
- Utility bill jumps. Strangely high water bill? Monitor your water usage, and if you aren’t using more than you normally would, there could be a burst or cracked pipe. Water is continually leaking somewhere in your home, driving up your water usage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Burst Pipe Repair
Here are some common FAQs about burst pipe repair in Seattle, WA, that may align with yours.
How long does it take to fix a burst pipe?
Sadly, there’s no real measure of how long every broken pipe repair takes. Burst pipe jobs come in a variety of flavors, and the length they take to complete depends on several things. However, a ballpark timeframe is anywhere from a few hours to days. Pipe accessibility, the material affected pipes are made of, and the extent of the damage all wildly change how long things could take to repair. Call South West today, and we’ll handle your burst pipe repair in Seattle, WA, with 24/7 availability and years of experience.
If I know I have a burst pipe, what should I do?
You’ve recognized the situation; here’s what to do next. Shut off your water. Hopefully, you know the quickest way to stop the flow. Head to your water shut-off valve. If you’re unaware of its location, it’s often in basements, crawl spaces, or near your water heater. If you spot any evidence of the fault’s location, make a note. Grab your phone and reach out to a professional, and then check your thermostat. If the ambient temperature is extremely cold, adjust it. Then, you can start removing water (if needed) and keeping a record of damage for insurance purposes later while you wait for help.
Are burst pipes dangerous?
Yes, burst pipes are always a problem, but they can be more dangerous in certain situations. Burst pipes near electrical work are obviously worst-case scenarios. If there’s any possibility of electricity being involved, stay away from the area. Burst pipes also cause slipping hazards; unceremoniously slipping into a puddle is the last thing you want on an already bad day. Broken pipes can spill water, promoting mold growth and affecting the structural integrity of your home if left untreated.
