Can a pipe burst in
the warm weather? Even though the winter freeze is a primary cause, take a look
at the top summertime culprits behind this plumbing problem.
Corroded Pipes
Are your metal pipes
rusty? Oxidation can cause cast iron, copper, or galvanized steel pipes to
rust. While a rusty pipe isn't always an immediate hazard, if left untreated,
the rust will eventually eat through the pipe and cause it to fail.
Unlike frozen pipes,
corrosion isn't limited to the cold weather. Oxygen concentration, pH levels,
and temperature (warmer or hot water) can speed up the corrosion process. If
you can spot corrosion issues before rust becomes a major problem, you can
reduce the risks of a burst pipe.
Some of the top signs of
rust or corrosion in plumbing systems include:
- Bitter water. Does your first sip of the morning taste bitter? If running
the water improves its taste, your pipes may have a rust problem.
- Leaks. A drip from a pipe or a small patch of water on a wall may
point to a rust problem. You may notice a smaller leak as the corrosion begins.
The longer you let the leak go untreated, the more chance the pipe will crack
or burst.
- Stains. Pipe corrosion can lead to blue-green stains at pipe joints or
in your sink.
- Discolored water. Reddish or brown water may indicate interior corrosion.
- Exterior rust. The corrosion may spread to the exterior of pipes. This is
visible in exposed areas — such as under the kitchen sink or in the basement.
If you see signs of
corrosion, contact a plumber as soon as possible. While a small visible patch
of rust may seem minor right now, corrosion can eventually cause a pipe to
burst.
Wear and Tear
Your home's plumbing
won't last forever. Wear and tear can weaken the pipe wall. This can increase
the likelihood the pipe will fail or burst any time of the year. Even though
the pressure of frozen water in the wintertime may escalate this issue, it
isn't necessary to cause failure.
While several factors
(such as installation and maintenance) affect how well your home's pipes stand
up to wear and tear-related issues, a plumbing system's lifespan is finite.
According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
(InterNACHI) the average lifespan for different types of pipes include:
- ABS and PVC. These waste pipes have a lifespan of 50 to 80 years.
- Cast-iron. An above ground cast-iron waste pipe may last for
60 years.
- Copper. These water lines typically have an average lifespan of 70
years.
- PEX. Flexible PEX water lines
may last for up to 40 years.
If you're not sure how
old your home's pipes are, ask your plumber. The plumbing professional can
inspect the pipes, look for signs of age-related wear, and recommend a repair
or replacement.
Pipe Clogs
The hamburger grease
from your summer barbeque, hair from shaving, or overfilled fixtures can cause serious
plumbing clogs. Not only can clogs cause backups that flood your home, but this
irritating issue may cause a pipe to burst.
How can a clog cause a
pipe to burst? The water pressure inside the pipe may increase as a result of
the narrowing interior. This strains the pipe and may cause a leak, crack, or
complete breakdown.
Like with other
plumbing problems, the sooner you spot and treat a clog, the better. Signs of
pipe or drain clogs include:
- Slow-to-drain fixtures. Does water trickle from your sink into
the drain? Slow draining sinks and tubs often point to a clog.
- Fixtures that don't drain. The inability to drain is another clear sign of a
clog.
- Backups in other areas.
A main sewer line clog may cause backups from
one fixture into another.
Don't wait for a clog
to cause a burst pipe. Chemical drain cleaners may not clear the clog and
manual methods are often ineffective in the hands of a novice. A professional
can inspect the system, clear the backup, and prevent additional damage.
Does your home's plumbing
system need professional attention? Contact
Lewis Plumbing for more information.
