Why Pipes Burst: Common Causes and How to Avoid It

A burst pipe is pure nightmare fuel for a property owner. Whether the burst happens in an agricultural field, a residential building or under a road. A ruptured pipe is the reason for massive chaos, water wastage, and expensive property damage too.

To avoid this chaotic and expensive situation, it is important to understand the reasons why pipes burst in the first place. In this post, we will break down the leading causes behind pipe failures and how choosing the right pipes for your water supply system can protect you from unnecessary water leakage and expensive pipe repairs.

The leading causes of pipe bursts

There are multiple reasons for which pipes burst. Exposure to extreme temperatures, corrosion or the movement of soil around them. Let’s dive into the details of these causes:

• Water Pressure

The right water pressure is expected in every application, whether it is in irrigation or in household activities. But when the water pressure exceeds a certain limit, it can put constant stress on the walls of the pipes. Under high constant pressure that is above the rated capacity, the walls of the pipes fatigue, leading to a pipe burst.

• Corrosion

In many old structures one can still find traditional metal pipes (Galvanized Iron). These metal pipes are known to be highly susceptible to rusting and chemical corrosion. Pipes that are used in underground applications can come in contact with highly saline water or acidic soil, causing them to corrode over time. Clogging from waste materials and soil can cause localised pressure points in the pipes, eventually causing them to burst from those spots.

• Soil Movement

In agricultural applications, underground pipes are exposed to Earth shifting and other causes, such as heavy vehicular traffic loads. The pressure from rocks can cause the pipes to snap and break if they don’t hold enough impact resistance.

• Extreme Temperatures
  

Temperature fluctuations can cause the pipes to expand and contract constantly. Over the course of time this constant movement of the structure of the pipes can weaken them. A structurally weak pipe will develop micro-fractures that eventually lead to pipe bursts.

• Improper Installation
  

Many pipes simply burst because of improper installation procedures. Joints not being aligned properly and threads that are forced into each other, and even when the solvent cement is not applied properly, can lead to weak points in the piping system, causing pipe bursts.

• Substandard and Low-Quality Materials

Cheap, unbranded pipes can save money upfront in many cases, but in due time they give up, leading to disasters like pipe bursts. Substandard pipes often have uneven walls, low tensile strength and even poor resistance to environmental damage. These low-quality materials can fatigue and break under hydrostatic pressure.

What are the warning signs of a water pipe burst?

Pipes do not burst out of the blue. The piping system will start giving signs as soon as there is an error. A sudden drop in water pressure; discoloured or rusty water flowing from fixtures; damp patches in the wall or soggy spots in the agricultural field; or weird noises from the water supply lines are warning signs of an incoming water pipe burst.

What to do in case of a Pipe Burst?

In the event of an unwarranted pipe burst situation, a few simple actions can save you from expensive financial damage. Here are a few steps you can follow:

• Locate and shut off the main water supply valve
• Open nearby water faucets to drain the remaining water trapped in the lines
• Turn off electricity supplies if the leak is happening near appliances or an electricity source
• Follow these steps and finally connect with a professional technician or plumber
• Finally document everything incase you have insurance; you can claim for the damage

How to Avoid Pipe Burst: Best Practices

Preventing an expensive pipe burst is a matter of supervision, proper installation and, more importantly, investing in high-grade products.

• Install Pressure Regulators

In the case of water systems relying on high-power pumps, it is necessary to install PRVs that can keep the water pressure within a safe operating range.

• Ensuring Proper Depth For Underground Pipes
  

The depth for underground pipes is predetermined; installing them beyond that can cause the pipes to burst. The pressure & temperatures can exceed the given limit for the pipes, causing them to crack open.

• Upgrade to Modern Solutions
  

Your ageing piping systems are the cause of an expensive pipe repair coming your way. Low-grade plastic piping networks with no advanced polymers can break down under pressure and cause massive financial damage.

How does Trubore help you avoid Pipe Bursts?

The most effective way to escape a pipe burst is to invest in a durable piping system that is engineered for extreme durability. Metal pipes are susceptible to damage, rusting and corrosion over time; it is better to avoid them. Furthermore, low-quality plastics can be damaged under pressure and excessive use.

Our uPVC pipes are made with advanced polymer technology. The new-age construction makes them superior at pressure handling, and the advanced molecular structure also makes it easy for them to handle intense hydrostatic pressure with ease. Made with compounds that are corrosion resistant and capable of handling extreme mechanical stress, our uPVC pipes help you escape the unnecessary chaos of pipe bursts by staying intact even in the toughest situations.

Conclusion

A pipe burst is not a plumbing issue; it is caused by not choosing the right products. Building a system that can function perfectly fine even in excessive demand is what makes your plumbing lines future-ready.

Explore our range of high-durability plumbing and agricultural pipes today at Trubore Pipes.