Burst Pipes: A Deeper Insight Into the Causes and Best Prevention Strategies

Water damage can happen suddenly and cause serious destruction in homes and businesses. One of the most common and unexpected causes are burst pipes. When a pipe bursts, water can flood your home in minutes, damaging everything in its way, including walls, floors, and furniture. The longer the water sits, the worse the damage becomes, leading to mold growth, structural issues, and costly repairs.

Understanding why pipes burst, how to respond in an emergency, and ways to prevent it can save you from extensive water damage restoration services in Greenville, SC. In this guide, we’ll discuss the common causes of burst pipes, what to do if it happens, and how to protect your home from future damage.

Burst Pipes: Common Reasons Behind Every Damage 

There are a few reasons why pipes suddenly crack or rupture. Knowing these causes can help you prevent a disaster before it starts.

Freezing Temperatures

During winter, temperatures in Greenville County can drop significantly. When the temperature falls below freezing, pipes freeze, which creates intense pressure inside them. Dealing with frozen pipes can be challenging, as they can easily crack or burst, sending water flooding into your home.

How to prevent frozen pipes:

• Insulate exposed pipes, especially in attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• Let faucets run slightly during extreme cold to keep water moving.
• Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

High Water Pressure

Pipes are designed to handle a certain level of water pressure. If the pressure gets too high, it puts stress on the pipes, making them more likely to burst. If water pressure suddenly spikes, it’s usually due to faulty pressure regulators, clogged pipes, or problems with municipal water supply.

Signs of high water pressure:

• Banging noises when turning off faucets.
• Faucets spraying water aggressively.
• Frequent leaks or dripping pipes.

How to fix it:

• Get a regulator for water pressure to keep levels stable.
• Keep the pressure between 40 psi and 60 psi to prevent stress on pipes.

Corrosion and Aging Pipes

Over time, pipes can also fail due to corrosion or simply because they’re old. Older homes with metal pipes are at the highest risk of all. As pipes corrode, they naturally become weak and develop leaks or cracks that can eventually burst.

Signs your pipes are corroding:

• Discolored water (brown or yellow tint).
• Frequent pipe leaks.
• Poor water flow due to buildup inside the pipes.

How to prevent pipe corrosion:

• Replace old metal pipes with PEX or copper piping.
• Use a water softener for water filtration to slow down the corrosion process.

What Can I Do if I Have a Burst Pipe?

If a pipe bursts, having an emergency plan and knowing what to do is the key to keeping the water damage to a minimum. Follow these steps:

1. Shut Off the Water Supply: Find your main water shutoff valve and turn it off immediately. This will stop the flow of water and prevent further flooding.
2. Switch the Electricity Off: If water is anywhere near electrical outlets or appliances, make sure the power is shut off to avoid electrical hazards.
3. Drain the Faucets: Open all faucets to release the remaining water pressure from the pipes.
4. Mop Up Water: Use towels, buckets, or a wet/dry vacuum to remove standing water as quickly as you possibly can.
5. Call a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company: Water damage can worsen quickly, damaging the structure of your property and inviting mold into your home. Professional services will eliminate these risks, by expertly removing the water and drying the affected rooms completely.

Long-Term Prevention: Protecting Your Home from Burst Pipes

In the fight against burst pipes, these are the best prevention strategies:

• Insulate Pipes: Use pipe insulation to protect them when freezing temperatures come.
• Keep the Pressure of Water In Check: Check your pressure gauge regularly to confirm it’s in a safe range.
• Have Your Plumbing Inspected Regularly: Have a professional inspect your pipes for signs of wear and tear.
• Replace Old Pipes: If your home has old galvanized steel or polybutylene pipes, consider upgrading to modern and more durable materials.
• Remember Your Main Water Shutoff Location: Every homeowner should know where their water shutoff valve is to act quickly in an emergency.

Why Choose PuroClean of Greenville for Burst Pipe Restoration?

At PuroClean of Greenville, we specialize in fast and reliable water damage restoration. When a pipe bursts, by acting quickly, you can prevent mold growth and structural damage, and reduce water damage cost repairs.

Here’s why homeowners trust us:

• 24/7 Emergency Response: We arrive quickly to stop the damage.
• Expert Water Removal & Drying: We use advanced equipment to extract water and dry affected areas.
• Professional Burst Pipe Repairs: Our team ensures your plumbing is restored properly.
• Mold Prevention & Restoration: We prevent future mold issues by thoroughly drying your home.

Call PuroClean of Greenville Today for Expert Burst Pipe Damage Restoration!

If you’re dealing with water damage from a burst pipe, act immediately to prevent further damage! Contact PuroClean of Greenville at (864) 528-2138 for fast, professional restoration services, or fill out the form on our website for a free estimate. We’re here to help 24/7!