A burst pipe is not strange or unusual, and it’s a nuisance that you can straighten out. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a problem. It can be pretty damaging considering the loss of water, the increase in the water bill, and the charge for getting the pipe fixed. So yeah, it’s not something that you want happening to you.
A burst pipe is becoming an increasingly common occurrence in both the domestic and commercial sectors. Modern-day building infrastructures are becoming increasingly complex, accompanied by more sophisticated plumbing infrastructure. As a consequence, it’s not surprising that a fractured pipe has become common.
The damage from burst pipes
So, as we mentioned before, a burst pipe eats away at your monthly budget with the added cost in the water bill, the cost of replacing the pipeline, and the labour put into it. But, there’s more cost attached to that mix. There’s a widespread fear of burst or fractured pipes because of the potential damage and chaos that it could cause.
Did you know that when a small pipe – even if it’s just a few centimetres in diameter – bursts, it could lose around 400 litres of water every hour? To give you perspective, that is the same amount of water required to fill two large baths. If you calculate it, the potential amount of water lost in a mere 24 hours would be equal to 9600 litres of water – and all just from a tiny pipe! Imagine going away for a day and coming back to find your house flooded with 9600 litres of water. That would be not good. Now imagine if the pipe that got burst was one of the bigger ones.
Another problematic factor regarding burst or fractured pipes is that most plumbing these days is either underground or in the roof. The outcome is: we don’t realise there’s a problem until it’s too late, and water begins to seep through the roof or has destroyed the floor.
Minimising the risk
So, by now, it must be clear why it’s necessary to make sure that no pipe bursts or fractures. Prevention is better than a cure, and in this case, it’s way better to keep the situation in check rather than face the consequences.
How do you do it? Here’s how:
i- Learn where the main valve is:
One of the smartest moves you can do as a home-owner is to find out where the main water stop valve is in the house. It’s information that many people do tend to skip, which is a big mistake. The valve could help you minimise the risk in a myriad of ways. For instance, if your house is flooding, the first step should be to turn the valve off. It will stop more water from rushing into your home. The knowledge is particularly beneficial when it’s not known where the damaged pipe is. It will also save you from a lot of damage. Since the valves’ location is in notoriously odd places, it’s better to find out before any crisis comes knocking at your door.
ii- Keep all the pipes and taps outside the house insulated:
Piping, including the drain pipes meant for heating and overflows, tends to expand and contract when exposed to the elements. Like the water running inside the fixtures, the hot and cold temperatures will physically affect the ducts. This property can cause joints to grow weak over time and inevitably lead to a burst, mainly if the pressure is high.
Therefore, it’s for the best if you make sure all pipework left at the mercy of the great outdoors is properly lagged and insulated. There’s even a solution for outside taps: fitted covers.
iii- Turn the valve off before going on vacation:
If you plan to stay out of the house for an extended period, the standard advice is to turn off the water valve entirely before you leave. Afterwards, open the taps to drain all the water from the system. Remember to close the taps later.
As a result, there won’t be any water going into or out of the house. It ensures that there’s no chance of a leaking pipe that you might be unaware of to waste any more water. More importantly, it lowers the chances that you come back to a flooded house.
iv- Burst pipe repairs:
If you’re facing any issue with the preventive measures or a pipe has already burst, don’t worry. Ace Plumbers, Gold Coast, Queensland, will come to the rescue with our knowledge, skill, and expertise. Add in our exemplary conduct and care for our clients into the mix. Remember to call us ap at 07 5725 5138, And we’ll rush over in an instant!
