Do I Need to Worry About Pipes Bursting?

Causes of Pipe Bursts

Across the northern part of the United States, many homeowners face the threat of frozen pipes each winter. Frozen pipes can lead to bursts, causing significant damage.

Luckily, we don’t have that same threat in sunny southern California; however, houses can and do experience bursting pipes, just from different causes. Here are the most common causes of burst pipes and how you can avoid them.

High Water Pressure

Pressure is an important factor in how pipes operate, as well as whether they are at risk of bursting. High water pressure alone can be an issue, as the water puts increased stress on the pipes and could cause a break over time.

Additionally, pressure caused by a foreign object or clog could also cause a pipe to burst. Pressure issues could also cause a water hammer, which is when the pressure in the pipe causes the water to suddenly stop when you close the faucet, creating a loud knocking noise.

Pipe Corrosion

As pipes are used over time, they eventually begin to break down. This process is called corrosion and happens with all pipes and all pipe material (though in different ways and at different rates).

Corrosion breaks down the walls of your pipes and eventually makes them thin or brittle enough to break. Corrosion can happen at a faster rate if you frequently use chemical drain cleaners or drain harmful products like oil and cooking grease. Watch out for the signs of corrosion like frequent leaks, discoloration in the water, and low water pressure.

Pipe Problems? We’re the Team You Need

For all your home’s plumbing problems, there’s one team you can trust to provide the best service in the industry: Lloyds Plumbing. Contact our expert staff today at (805) 495-8766 to learn more about how we can help you.