Common Causes of Burst Pipes in Bedford, OH

Did you know that a busted pipe makes an unmistakable sound – an audible snap followed by a persistent hissing noise? If you’re lucky enough to be around to hear those alarm bells, you don’t have to worry about what causes pipes to burst; just get help.

Locals call Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. for emergency plumbing repair services in Bedford, OH. Below, the team explains what might cause your plumbing system to rupture suddenly and how to handle the fallout.

What Causes Pipes to Burst in Your Bedford Home or Business?

Ultimately, if there’s a burst pipe somewhere on your Bedford property, you’ll need a plumber’s diagnosis. There’s a good chance one of the problems listed below caused your potentially expensive pipe-burst disaster, so keep a lookout and a plumber’s number handy.

Extremely Cold Weather

It’s a blatant understatement to say that winters in Bedford, Illinois, are “cold.” From December to February, the temperatures dip deep into the 20s and teens and don’t climb above freezing until March. Unfortunately, that kind of weather offers the perfect conditions for frozen pipes. 

Frozen water expands. If that happens inside your property’s pipes, it puts intense pressure on the pipe structure, which will reach a breaking point. If you’d like some assurances, consider that you can save on energy bills while protecting your plumbing by:

• Insulating your pipes: Poor insulation enables the bitter cold to infiltrate pipes.
• Setting your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit: This temperature is comfortable for people and most pets without forcing your furnace to run constantly. 
• Opening your cabinets: Let the warm air inside your home protect those pipes. 
• Letting your faucets drip: Moving water won’t freeze as readily. 

You might also look at running your hot-water appliances at night. Doing dishes and laundry loads just before bedtime improves indoor humidity, warms your home, and, more importantly, runs warm water through your property’s pipe network!

High Water Pressure

Water pressure forces water through the pipe system and into your plumbing fixtures. However, excessive pressure weakens the pipe connections. You may love the deep-tissue massage your shower provides, but lowering the pressure slightly could protect your pipes. 

Old Age

What causes pipes to burst? Sometimes, they’re just old, as most materials lose their integrity as they face age-related wear and tear. What material are your water pipes made of? 

• Metals like copper, brass, and steel can last over 50 years. 
• Polybutylene and PVC have significantly shorter lifespans. 

Consider outfitting your pipe network with new materials to keep the old ones from bursting.

Harsh Chemical Use

Believe it or not, your favorite liquid plumber might be to blame for that burst pipe. You thought you were helping, but chemical drain cleaners use harsh formulas to break down clogs. Unfortunately, dissolving clogs isn’t the end of it – the cleaners also dissolve everything else to cause pipe corrosion.

You could try gentler solutions for the drains, such as:

• Pouring boiling water down each drain monthly
• Tackling clogs with one part vinegar and one part baking soda followed by boiling water for extra oomph
• Purchasing drain catchers to prevent debris from going down kitchen sinks 
• Using drain snakes to hook and reel hairy clogs from showers or tubs

However, it’s important to contact your plumber for bigger blockages if you don’t want burst pipes or nasty backup emergencies.

Natural Impacts

While you’re contemplating what causes pipes to burst, you can look outside for a minute. Bedford’s unpredictable natural elements test your property’s pipes day in and day out. For example:

• You don’t notice it, but the ground beneath your feet shifts, a constant movement that can stress your pipes.
• Temperature fluctuations cause pipe materials to expand and contract. Summer’s mid-80s are a stark contrast to the frigid winters here, and your pipes feel it. 

Monitoring your plumbing network through regular inspections keeps score and repairs damage as it happens.

Large Blockages

Some clogs are large and compact. A sizable pipe obstruction builds tremendous pressure until the pipe structure gives way. What might cause such an intense blockage?

• Intruding tree roots: Roots pursue flowing water and might find underground pipes a great source of hydration.
• Mineral buildup: Minerals stick to pipe interiors if your locality has hard water. This decreases the space the water has to flow, which builds the pressure.
• Inappropriate substances: Grease, paper, fabric sanitary products (outside of toilet paper), and gelatinous foods may not pass through narrow drainways. 
• Lack of drain maintenance: Consistent drain cleaning keeps pipes open for water to run freely. 

Why not let a plumber like Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. inspect your pipe network for large blockages and blast them away with a hydro jetter?

Bad Installation

It shouldn’t be the luck of the draw with local plumbing services. An unqualified contractor who lures customers with cheap prices or an inexperienced crew that offers the world both cost property owners big. Service savings in pipe installation may come at a steep price.

Who designed and installed your pipe network? Did they set your property up for a busted pipe? A licensed and insured contractor will need to correct this issue – and fast. 

Take These Steps After Discovering a Busted Pipe

If you’re already wading through half a foot of water, you currently have that busted pipe we’ve been talking about. Preventative measures can’t help you right now.

Can you safely navigate the property without risking electrical shock or sewage exposure? If yes, do the following:

1. Turn off the water supply. If you aren’t sure which fixture is leaking, turn off the mains.
2. Collect important documents (photos, IDs, and certificates). 
3. Contact an emergency plumber. 
4. Call your home insurance company to report the incident. 
5. Start gathering evidence like photos, video recordings, and statements from professionals. 

If safety is a concern, call 911 immediately.

Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co. Handles Plumbing Emergencies in Bedford, Ohio

What causes pipes to burst? Sometimes, it is just bad luck. If so, you know where to find Formica Plumbing and Sewer Co.’s emergency plumbing services and water pipe replacement options. You can avoid a damp disaster in Bedford, Ohio – call us today!