Rust: Older homes and buildings have the highest risk of pipe bursts due to rust and corrosion. These pipes made from iron, steel, and even lead will be quick to rust, causing them to fissure and flood the surrounding area.
The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.
Replacing old plumbing pipes can be a good idea, especially if they are showing signs of deterioration, leaks, or frequent clogging. Old pipes made of materials like galvanized steel or outdated copper may be prone to corrosion and reduce water flow over time.
Newer homes are usually built with insulation and anti-freezing strategies in mind. They tend to lay out pipes in such a way that freezing and bursting is less of a risk, but that doesn't make burst pipes impossible.
Pipe Material
Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.
Your plumbing pipes and plumbing fixtures will survive when you're away from home. The bigger concern is making sure everything is cleaned out thoroughly if it's been unused for months. If your plumbing has not been used for some time, the first step is to always flush out the pipes.
(Keep in mind, wind chill increases the risk of freezing.) Pipes are most likely to burst when exposed to below-freezing conditions for six hours or more, which can happen throughout winter and early spring. Burst pipes could lead to a disaster, bringing severe water damage to your home.
Poor plumbing: If the property is old or the plumbing was not installed correctly, it's only a problem waiting to happen. Bad soldering or loose pipe will quickly lead to them bursting, creating a disaster at the worst time. Rust: Older homes and buildings have the highest risk of pipe bursts due to rust and corrosion.
Pipe replacement averages $1,252 and ranges from $371 to $2,133. Your plumbing repair pro can assess your home and estimate the overall cost. Pipes are the circulatory system of your house. They deliver drinking water, clean dishes, fill the bathtub, and send wastewater on its way.
Pipes can leach harmful substances into your water supply, such as lead, rust, or bacteria, as they deteriorate over time. This can not only affect the taste and smell of your water but can also pose a serious health risk if consumed.
The answer is yes! PEX piping is approved for use in potable water systems by regulatory agencies like NSF International and meets strict safety standards for drinking water quality. In fact, many homeowners prefer PEX piping for its clean, tasteless water and resistance to bacterial growth.
Accidental water damage that occurs as a result of a sudden, unexpected occurrence like a burst pipe is often covered by a homeowners insurance policy. In addition, cleaning, repair or replacement of wood flooring, drywall and even furniture due to water damage as a result of a burst pipe typically is covered.
As mentioned in the previous section, once the outside temperature drops below freezing (32°F), your pipes are at risk of freezing. However, the chances of damage increase as temperatures drop to 20°F or below.
Pipes in attics, crawl spaces and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air to flow across the pipes.
The resulting pressure from the unfrozen water trapped between the ice and a closed faucet is the primary cause of ruptures in frozen pipes. Misconception: Damage only occurs if a pipe bursts. The truth is... Even if a pipe does not burst, the expanding ice can still cause damage.
As water freezes in one area of a pipe, pressure builds. When the pressure becomes too much, the pipe will eventually burst. Water sprinkler lines, pipes in unheated crawl spaces or attics, or those that run parallel to poorly insulated external walls are most likely to freeze.
Another telltale sign is the sound of water running or cascading inside your walls when no faucets are in use. This isn't the usual gurgling caused by water pressure changes; it's an abnormal sound that signals a potential leak or burst pipe. Ignoring this can lead to significant water damage over time.
The national average cost of burst pipe repair is between $200 and $1,000, with most people paying around $500 for a moderate repair with a new section of pipe added. At the low end of the spectrum, for a minor repair that doesn't involve pipe replacement, you can expect to pay $150.
People often assume signs of a burst pipe are obvious: rushing water sounds and flooded rooms. Unfortunately, ruptured lines can go undetected for weeks, depending on where they are and the severity of the damage.
Seal air drafts around fixtures, close off crawl spaces, and insulate walls and attics. Install a pipe sleeve for water pipes that are not insulated. Building supply stores carry these and other supplies for insulating pipes.
Overall, it's best that you take heed and drip your faucets when temperatures dip below freezing. A simple trickle of hot and/or cold water—both from faucets inside and outside the home—can prevent you from having to deal with a much larger issue (and bill!) in the long run.
Burst water pipes are a common occurrence affecting many Australian homes yearly.