Types of Damage That Can Result From a Burst or Leaking Water Pipe

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Palo Alto makes homeowners aware of the serious water damage issues that can result from burst pipes and ruptured appliance supply lines.

SERVPRO of Palo Alto is a locally owned and operated damage restoration company that is known for putting customers first. The team specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after a water, fire, or smoke damage incident. They also mitigate mold and mildew from homes and businesses. No job is too big or too small for SERVPRO of Palo Alto to handle, including burst pipes that cause water damage. The highly trained staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore any property. They understand the stress and worry that come from fire or water damage. Their goal is to help minimize the disruption and restore the property to its pre-damage condition and make it “Like it never even happened.”

One of the most common causes of water damage in a home or business is burst pipes or ruptured appliance supply lines. These types of water damage incidents have many causes. Knowing and understanding the causes can help the homeowner take measures to prevent a water damage disaster.

Excessive water pressure

Water pipes are manufactured to withstand a specified amount of internal water pressure. The specific water pressure rating is typically printed on the pipe. When the water pressure exceeds the pressure rating, the result is a burst pipe, a flooded mess, and damage to personal belongings and the structure.

Frozen pipes

In many parts of the US during the winter, temperatures plunge into the frigid zone, resulting in frozen pipes that burst and wreak havoc in many homes and businesses. In those colder regions, adequate pipe insulation and heat tape are sufficient to prevent water pipes from freezing. Thankfully, most nights in Palo Alto rarely or never dip below 40 °F. From November to February, the city averages about a dozen or so nights with frost, hardly cold enough to freeze any pipes. It always warms up to at least forty degrees or more the next day. Temperatures as cold as twenty degrees Fahrenheit, almost cold enough to freeze exposed pipes, are a meteorological anomaly in Palo Alto. However, in the rare instance that temperatures plummet into the danger zone, wrapping exposed pipes with as little as one-quarter inch of newspaper will prevent pipes from freezing.

Incorrect pipework and layering

Property owners are advised to hire a licensed, qualified plumber experienced in pipe layering to install pipework and the connections. Any error in the layering process can lead to incorrect subjugation of water pressure, resulting in a burst pipe. When a larger pipe is connected to a smaller pipe, the excessive pressure from the water can lead to a burst pipe.

Aging pipes

Metal and plastic water pipes have a definite life span. Proper maintenance can extend this lifespan a few years. Corrosion degrades metal pipes, making them susceptible to breaking. Over time, plastic pipes become brittle. When pipes become vulnerable, the slightest variations in water pressure can cause these pipes to rupture, potentially causing extensive water damage.

Clogs

Clogs are a common cause of pipe breakage. Internal accumulation of coagulated minerals can clog pipes. A major clog restricting water flow can cause incredible pressure that accumulates above the blockage and results in a burst pipe or leak.

Ground movements

Earthquake Tracker estimates that Palo Alto has almost 400 earthquakes per year. This constant ground movement can rupture aging pipes and compromise newer pipes, which eventually leak or burst.

Improper pipe connections

Pipe connections are vulnerable weak links in any plumbing system. Improper pipe connections can leak or burst under extreme pressure. A trained and experienced plumber is worth the expense when plumbing installation and repairs are needed. The headache and expense of even a small water damage disaster will drive this point home.

Types of Water Damage from Burst Pipes

A burst water pipe can cause massive damage to a home or business. A burst pipe or ruptured appliance supply line can unleash a fountain of water at a rate of seven to nine gallons per minute, causing seen and unseen damage to the structure. The seen and unseen damage from burst pipes may include the following:

Damaged insulation and wiring

When cellulose, loose fill, or fiberglass become saturated and compresses, it loses some of its insulating value and must be replaced. Wet wiring can short circuit and cause a fire. Sometimes the entire wall must be ripped apart to remove and replace the compressed insulation and repair the soaked wiring.

Rotted structural materials

If unseen or left unchecked, water from leaking pipes can flow into the walls and under flooring before it is noticed. The structural damage can involve

• Warping, cracking, and rotting of wall studs
• Swelling, warping, and rotting of baseboards
• Rotting of wooden support beams and sub-floors
• Rusting of steel brackets that hold support beams in place (Rusting and compromised support brackets can lead to costly repairs that far exceed damage to plaster, drywall, and lathe.)

Mold

Even after all water-soaked materials have been dried or removed, mold can start to grow inside air ducts, walls, and even the subfloor. Mold is difficult to remediate and requires professional experience, training, and equipment, including personal protective gear (PPG), to safely and effectively mitigate. Mold cleanup is not a DIY project.

Water damage from a burst water pipe or a ruptured appliance supply not only disrupts life and causes stress, but it also can present serious dangers and health hazards. As soon as water damage is suspected or detected, call in a professional water damage restoration specialist to inspect and assess the situation before advanced secondary water damage occurs.

For more information about water damage restoration in Palo Alto, CA, and the surrounding area, contact the office by phone at (650) 800-3448.