People that live in cold weather climates such as Gippsland know to watch out for burst pipes in the winter. Pipe bursts are a common problem in cold weather because they are caused by water freezing and expanding within the pipe. What many people do not realize is that a pipe burst can happen any time of year, including the summer. This affects homeowners. Burst pipes in a home are a major problem because the water will rush out of the pipe and cause indoor flooding which can lead to extensive damage. All homeowners should check their pipes throughout the year and take care of any pipe leaks or noticeable damage that could cause a pipe burst.

The biggest cause of burst pipes is frozen water within the pipes brought on by cold temperatures. The following are other potential causes of a pipe burst that you should look out for:

• Rusty Pipes: Pipes, like anything else in your home, only last for so long and will eventually start to wear out or rust over. Too much rusting or wear and tear makes them vulnerable to bursts. The speed at which pipes wear out depends on what the pipes are made of, how often they are used, and the condition of the water in the pipes. It is highly recommended that you inspect your pipes and replace the ones that have become weak or rusty.
• Hard Water: Hard water refers to water that has a high content of magnesium and calcium. These minerals are not harmful for human consumption, but they can be very harmful to your pipes. The calcium and magnesium can build up within the pipes and even in faucets, slowing the flow of the water. These minerals have also been known to corrode the pipes and cause holes that allow the water to flow out.
• Bad Installation: Pipe leaks can happen if there is a poorly soldered or fitted connection between pipes. If you notice a problem in the connection of your pipes, call a professional to fix the problem before it leads to a burst pipe.

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

Worn out and weakened pipes have a high risk of bursting because they lose the ability to withstand the pressure from the water. These warning signs can help you tell if you have worn out or leaking pipes:

• Stains on the wall: If there are stains on the wall near your pipes, there is a good chance that water is leaking. Any type of pipe leak can have a damaging effect on your home, especially if it is in a hidden area and left to keep leaking. You should call a professional as soon as you notice a possible leak.
• Discoloured water: If the water that comes out of your faucet is yellow or brown, you might have rusty pipes. You must replace any rusty pipes before they deteriorate and spring a leak.
• Lower water pressure: There are many factors that can cause a drop in water pressure including mineral build-ups from hard water and pipe leaks. If there is a noticeable drop in your water pressure, call a professional to inspect your pipes.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE A BURST PIPE:

A pipe burst causes your home to fill up quickly with water. If you experience a burst pipe, turn off the water supply to your home and immediately call Francis plumbing. Our professionals will not only restore the water damage caused by the burst pipe, but also repair the pipe so you can turn your water back on. Our team can take the stress out of organising the aftermath and organise to have your flooring dried as well as the repairs of the damage to the property by our building team. We can see it through from the start to the end.

When was the last time you checked your flexi hose? This is one of the most common causes of water leakage. Call our staff to enquire about having yours replaced with burst proof flexi hoses.