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Commercial Restoration Company: What Damage Could a Burst Water Pipe Cause?

Broken pipes are one of the leading causes of water destruction in a business, multi-family property, or home. Nearly everyone will experience a bursting pipe or leak at some point in their lifetime. So what causes them?

What Causes a Water Pipe to Burst?

Every home contains numerous pipes that can burst or break. This includes both sewage pipes and sink pipes. You can find most of these pipes located in the basement, interior walls, exterior walls, ceilings, or even underground.

Locate your pipes and keep an eye on them under these circumstances:

Cold Weather

While we may be heading into our first days of Spring, we cannot fully leave winter’s problems in the past yet. With tons of snow still being seen in Colorado and evening temperatures that are daring to dip down into the 30’s even in CA, I think it’s safe to say Groundhog Punxsutawney Phil was right this year when he declared 6 more weeks of winter. With this being said, the main cause of a bursting pipe is a frozen pipe, and it’s an issue that should still be on your radar. Frozen pipes become broken pipes when the freezing water expands within the pipe, and the pipe can no longer withstand the density. If proper precautions are not taken to prepare for cold weather you risk any pipe bursting in your home, business, or property.  Learn ways to prevent your pipes from freezing here!

Rusty Pipes

Pipes are much like anything else in your home, over time they will endure normal wear, tear, and rust. 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. A rusting pipe is a problem pipe, so it is highly recommended that you self inspect a couple of times a year 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 have been known to corrode pipes and cause holes. Prior to this, calcium and magnesium can build up within the pipes and faucets, slowing the flow of water. If your water pressure seems less than normal, these minerals may be the cause and you should have your pipes inspected soon.

Bad Installation

Pipe leaks can happen if there are poorly soldered or fitted connections between pipes. If you think you notice a problem in the connection of your pipes, call a professional to evaluate the installation as soon as possible.

Worn-Out Pipes

Worn-out and weakened pipes have a high risk of bursting because they lose the ability to withstand the pressure from the water. Signs of a worn-out pipe include staining on the walls around the pipes or discolored water. If the water coming out of your pipe is yellow or brown, you most likely have a rusting ripe.

What Can Be Damaged?

Wiring

Wiring is the largest issue to be concerned about. Wet wiring can cause short circuits that not only cause problems with appliances and lighting but could cause fires.

Insulation

If insulation becomes saturated by leaking water, it will completely lose effectiveness. Cellulose, loose fill insulation, and fiberglass insulation will all need to be replaced if it becomes wet. If your insulation and wiring do become damaged, entire walls in your home may need to be completely ripped out so that both can be replaced.

Structural Materials

Water leaking out of a burst pipe will often leak into walls. It will seep into the porous materials in these walls before it becomes obvious in the living spaces of your home. Additionally, wooden support beams and sub-floors can become rotted, and the steel brackets that hold your beams in place will become vulnerable to rust. This can trigger more costly repair than the damage to plaster, lathe, and drywall that is more visible after a burst pipe. Be sure to have a professional evaluate your property for this reason.

Potential Mold Growth

Mold can start to grow inside air ducts, walls, and the subfloor under the right conditions within days and may not even become visible until day 18. For this reason, it can be difficult to detect, but each time your air conditioner or heating cycles, some of these mold spores will be moved through the air. With this, you will experience a musty smell and the overall quality of the air being altered. This alteration may trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions and also allow the mold spores to spread into other areas of your home.

How Soon Should I call a Restoration Company?

As soon as possible! Broken or damaged pipes aren’t always obvious. Most pipes burst or leak without warning, and it can be days, weeks or even months before you notice the signs of a damaged pipe. However, once you do spot a leaking or broken pipe, it’s critical to act fast. Water can seep through the porous materials of your home/business/property before it visually appears. Unfortunately, it is when you cannot see this water that it could be causing the most damage to your property. Water seepage that is left can also impact your health, your tenant’s health, or your customer’s health as bacteria and mold flourish in damp environments. When you come across signs of water damage or a burst pipe, it is important to call a water restoration specialist like Restoration Management Company immediately.

If you encounter a water or fire-related emergency, do not hesitate to call Restoration Management Company at 1.800.400.5058. We are on standby 24/7/365.

ABOUT RESTORATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Since 1985, Restoration Management Company has provided 24-hour restoration service for customers when they experience a catastrophe in their home or workplace. With their headquarters in Hayward, California, RMC has 10 regional locations in Northern and Southern California, as well as locations in Seattle, Washington; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and the Denver, Colorado metro areas. When emergency services are required RMC delivers high-quality and rapid water damage restoration as well as smoke, fire, environmental and catastrophic restoration services. We stand ready with our highly-trained, experienced, and customer-focused restoration technicians.
Restoration Management Company www.RMC.com
1.800.400.5058

 

 

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