Piping is an essential component of your plumbing. Pipes supply hot or cold water, drain wastewater, and transfer radiant heat and gases to different parts of your home. However, piping systems are prone to damage as they work tirelessly and in high-pressure situations. When your pipes experience leaks, the issue can go unnoticed for a long time because the leak spills a small volume of water. No matter how little, water from a broken water line will cause structural damage. Ensure you hire a professional plumber to repair the burst pipe and perform tune-up services to your piping system. Below are some factors that increase the risk of damage.

Corrosion

Metal supply pipes are more liable to corrosion due to constant contact with water. Fresh or wastewater can have a low pH, and the acidity will corrode the pipes. Additionally, hard water contains scale that clogs the lines and leads to corrosion. This results in weaker pipes that are unable to take on high pressure. A plumber can help you limit deterioration by treating your water. They can also replace your metallic pipes with plastic ones for longer service.

Ground Movement

Soil movement and earthquakes can be catastrophic to the plumbing system buried in your property. Heavy rainfall will also weaken the ground, causing the soil underneath your lines to shift. Although this movement is inevitable, an experienced plumber will inspect your system after such an occurrence to ensure that no plumbing components have been compromised. If there's damage, the expert addresses it immediately and reinforces your plumbing system to limit damage following subsequent ground movement.

Freezing

Your property is prone to frozen plumbing during the winter. Since water increases in volume when it freezes, it may clog the pipes resulting in pressure build-up. If your lines cannot accommodate this expansion, they will burst or have tiny fractures. Contact a plumber to help you thaw your pipes, insulate them, and restore proper water circulation.

Excessive Water Pressure

Pipes are designed to withstand a specified range of pressure. Therefore, if the water flowing through the pipes has a higher pressure than it can handle, it can overwhelm them, causing them to burst. Generally, high water pressure is caused by clogs and improperly adjusted pressure valves. Therefore, if you notice a sudden increase in the water pressure, contact a plumber to install a pressure-reducing valve. 

Bursting may occur for different reasons and without warning. Fortunately, you can hire a professional plumber to help minimize the aftermath of broken pipes and restore optimal functioning. Click here for more info or reach out to a local plumber.