Burst pipes aren’t just a problem in the winter – they can happen during hot weather too! Most of us wouldn’t expect a burst pipe to flood our home on a warm summer’s day, rather associating this problem with frozen pipes in the cold winter months.
However, ruptured pipes and the associated water damage can occur during hot weather, causing some pretty serious issues. Unfortunately, household water pipes are never 100% safe, whatever the weather.
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What causes pipes to burst in summer?
Various risk factors contribute to burst pipes during the summer including extreme heat, increased demand for water and several other variables.
A general increased demand for water can put a strain on old pipes. Traditionally in the UK, we use more water in spring and summer, compared with autumn and winter: extra baths and showers, watering the garden, filling up paddling or swimming pools and putting on garden sprinklers all add to the strain.
Old pipes that may not be in great condition can fail with the extra pressure, as can pipes that may have warped due to being frozen in winter.
One extra person staying at your property, such as a family member who has come for a summer holiday, uses an average of 168 extra litres of water per day.
If exposed to extreme heat conditions for a long time, pipes can shift and break if they’re in poor condition, as they are less able to withstand high temperatures.
In addition, a clogged pipe can cause it to burst if substances such as cooking fat and laundry lint have been allowed to accumulate. Having regular maintenance by a plumber can help the pipes’ longevity.
If you live in a “hard water” area, where there’s a higher mineral content, the deposits can also build up over time. The pipe can burst when the pressure exceeds its stress threshold.
Tree roots grow naturally towards a water source and can wrap around a pipe over time, causing it to burst. All of these situations can cause a leak and will require an emergency plumber.
Are old houses more at risk?
If your home was built before 1975, it’s more likely to have cast iron pipes, which can start deteriorating after only 25 years. You should have them checked for signs of wear, especially if they’re hidden in a basement and you haven’t given them much thought.
Prevention is better than cure, so it’s preferable to take preventative measures, rather than having to move out of your home due to flooding. While cast iron waste pipes can last for years, they can suffer wear and tear that weakens them if not caught in time.
If the pipes are discoloured, cracked, have rust patches or look generally decayed, it’s time to call in a plumber to check your home’s entire piping system.
If there’s a sporadic leak that doesn’t seem too serious, it might be a problem in the future. If it suddenly cracks, it could cause a serious flood, or leave raw sewage backing up into hour home.
A leaking pipe can also cause a foul smell and will attract pests into your home. It’s better to replace a whole pipe now, rather than patching up segments over a long period of time, as this will be cheaper and more effective.
If you suffer water damage, it can have serious implications. Apart from burst pipes causing ineffective drainage, the symptoms of water damage can include foul smells, an infestation of insects that live in sewers, such as cockroaches; warped wooden floors; loose or water-stained grout and floor tiles; and stained carpets and rugs.
You might suffer health issues such as sneezing, coughing and sore eyes, and it could even reduce the value of your property.
How to prevent water leaks
The best advice is to replace old and weak pipes before they fail you. Water pipes require specific care and maintenance. Hire a plumber to check their condition regularly and carry out preventative repairs when required.
When it comes to regular day-to-day use, don’t pour greasy dish water down the sink. Dispose of it safely outside, where it isn’t going to clog pipes when it cools and solidifies.
If you live in a hard water area, where there’s a high mineral count, ask a plumber about having a water softener installed. This can be an effective means of prolonging your pipes’ longevity, as it removes the majority of minerals in the water and can help stop pipes from clogging.
In the unfortunate event that you suffer a severe burst pipe that causes flood damage in your home, you will need to contact an emergency plumber and your insurer immediately.
If your soft furnishings and furniture have been damaged by leaking water in your home, you can benefit from emergency furniture rental services to help get you back on your feet.
Loss adjustors, insurance companies and insurance claims handlers can assist households that have suffered flood damage to rent emergency furniture, so you’re not returning to an empty shell once the water has subsided, and the property has dried out.