Burst pipes are costly. Replacing a broken pipe can cost several thousand dollars, depending on the extent of the damage. More importantly, pipes that are left unfixed for an extended period of time can cause damage to your home’s foundation and structure.

The most common type of burst pipe is caused by the expansion of water when it freezes in cold weather conditions. When water freezes, it stretches and can cause pipes to burst and lead to foundation repair. This often happens when a pipe is not insulated correctly or a sudden change in the temperature.  

What are burst pipes, how do they affect your house and some ideas for avoiding them so you can keep your foundation safe and intact? 

What are burst pipes?

Burst pipes are water supply lines that rupture, usually as a result of sudden freezing temperatures. When the ground surrounding your home gets cold and freezes, it can expand and put pressure on your pipes. Pipelines – especially those made from older materials – may not be able to hold up under pressure and could break.

How burst pipes affect your house:

Bursting water supply lines can affect the entire house in many ways. The most common issues are damage to your home’s foundation, walls, windows, and doors.

A hole in the ground will be directly below where the burst pipe is located. This may cause flooding in an area of your yard, and it could also damage your foundation.

Further away from the burst pipe, you might find cracks in your home’s exterior along the path of where the pipeline ran under your house. It can be problematic because any openings in your foundation essentially provide a pathway for water to get into your home. It needs a crawl space repair, and if left unfixed, this water can cause mold and mildew and lead to rot, which can severely damage your home. It may also increase your danger of experiencing flooding.

5 easy tips to prevent frozen pipes

  • Insulate your pipes. You can install insulation sleeves or wrap your pipes in insulation.
  • Keep your faucets open a tiny bit so that the water can move.
  • Don’t shut off your heat completely in an attempt to save on your energy bill; keep it at a moderate temperature instead.
  • Open the cabinet doors under sinks to pass more warmth to reach the pipes.
  • If you’re going to be out of town for an extended period of time, have a friend or family member come by to check on your home periodically.

What to do when a pipe bursts?

If you experience a burst pipe, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The first move is to turn off the water supply. It can be done by turning off the valve located near the Burst pipe. Once the water is turned off, you can begin to assess the damage and clean up any water that might acquire into your home.

If the burst pipe is outside, you might want to try to cover it with a tarp or some other type of covering. This will help reduce further water damage if there is freezing weather.

Once the house foundation repairs are done, and you’ve cleaned up any messes your burst pipe may have caused, be sure to take some time to inspect your home for any other potential problems. If you find any damage that wasn’t there before, it’s essential to address it immediately. By doing so, you can help protect your home from future water-related damage.

Other ways burst pipes affect your home’s structure

Exterior Walls:

A burst or frozen pipe can cause water damage to your home’s exterior walls. If the water seeps in and freezes, it can cause the Sheetrock to crumble and even fall off the wall.

You may not observe this type of damage until it’s too late, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your home for any signs of water damage, including peeling paint or wallpaper, warping wood, and mold.

Roof:

A burst pipe can also damage your roof. The water may cause the roof to leak, which will eventually lead to extensive damage to the structure of your home. If you notice any water damage on your roof, it’s essential to take action right away to prevent further damage. You can use carbon fiber straps as it’s quite effective. 

Foundation:

If you have a burst pipe that’s located near your home’s foundation, it can cause extensive damage to the foundation. Unfortunately, this type of damage is often not visible until it’s too late, so it’s essential to be careful in checking for any signs of damage.

Conclusion

Burst pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home, not just from the water itself but from the potential for structural damage as well. Therefore, it’s important to quickly take action if you experience a burst pipe and inspect your home for any other potential problems. You can help protect your house from future water damage by doing so. If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced plumber to help you with any plumbing needs, don’t hesitate to contact the house foundation repair experts at Knoxville. We are happy to help you with any repair or installation project.