Keep An Eye On Your Pipe Leaks So They Don’t Become Burst Pipes

A leaking pipe is an annoyance that can be solved with a piece of duct tape, right? Wrong! A small leak in your pipes can quickly become a big deal in the form of a burst pipe. Unfortunately, a lot of homeowners can attest to the fact that a small dripping is nothing compared to a burst pipe in your home.

In that circumstance, you will no longer hear a drip, but instead, hear a waterfall in your living room that is destroying everything in its path. At McLoughlin Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we do not want to see that happen to another family.

With that in mind, we have written this article to give you the low down on why leaks become burst pipes, and how you can prevent them.

How A Leak Turns Into A Burst Pipe

A burst pipe is a big issue. There are a few different ways that a pipe can burst including freezing temperatures, moving pipes, water pressure, and corrosion. Corrosion is commonly how you would see a leak first.

As your pipes corrode due to things like PH levels, water pressure, velocity, and temperature, they can develop small pin holes. As water continues to flow across the corrosion, it chips away at the weak spot until it finally opens up creating a burst pipe.

In other cases, such as freezing temperatures, the pipe expands as the water turns to ice. As the ice melts, the integrity of the pipe and its joints are weakened. This can also cause a leak if a burst pipe is not immediate.

How To Handle A Water Leak?

Putting a quick fix on a leak is much easier calling a plumber to repair the issue. The cost and time that go along with emergency repairs can be something you do not want to deal with. Unfortunately, quick fixes can be more expensive and time-consuming then you would thing.

A small or slow leak and turn into a bust pipe within seconds. If your home is at risk for a burst pipe you could be facing many repairs including:

• Water damage to your floors, walls, furniture, and electrical appliances.
• Mold and mildew growth due to excess moisture.
• The water can cause a fire.
• Extensive damage to your plumbing system.
• Cause Issues with the structural integrity of your home (especially in wooden homes).

In almost all cases, it is safer and more cost-efficient to have the water leak handled right away by a professional.

Plumbing Safety Inspections

If you want to keep burst pipes at bay, you want to make sure you have your plumbing inspected for safety. Annual maintenance performed on your plumbing can help to alert professionals when you have an issue. It is better to be safe rather than sorry when it comes to a burst pipe.

Spotting problems you may not be able to see, like behind walls or in your basement, is going to be easier with a trained eye. Burst pipes happen when small leaks go unnoticed for a long time due to their location. Don’t take that chance and reach out to a technician to have your pipes checked!

McLoughlin Plumbing Heating & Cooling is available for all of your maintenance and repair needs. Have a burst pipe? Not a problem! McLoughlin is here to help with emergency service as well. Give us a call today at (610) 624-8037. Our technicians are standing by to assist you!