Broken Pipes in Utah and Salt Lake

Some signs that indicate a broken water pipe can be difficult to notice unless you’ve happened to experience a broken pipe before. If a water pipe breaks in your home or business, there will be clear signs, such as watermarks on the walls, puddles of water on the floors, and strange sounds when using a faucet. If you have a leak on your hands, the chances are high that you’ll end up with a broken pipe sooner than later. Some of the signs that indicate you may have a broken pipe include:

• Visible water in unexpected areas
• Low water pressure
• Ceiling stains
• Musty smells
• Increased monthly water bill
• Discolored water

What Can Cause a Broken Water Pipe?

A wide range of things can cause a broken water pipe. But you want to prevent them if at all possible. Not only can broken water pipes waste a substantial amount of money, but they can also cause water damage and many inconveniences. When you know what can cause a broken water pipe, though, you have a greater chance of being able to prevent it. The reasons a water pipe might burst include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Freezing – When water freezes, it expands. When expansion occurs inside pipes, the pressure built up might be too much to contain, and the pipes may burst. If a pipe bursts, turn off your water supply and let the pipes thaw to prevent further damage.
• High Water Pressure – When water pressure is high, it can overwhelm piping and cause your water pipes to burst. If you suddenly experience high water pressure, turn off your water supply and call an emergency plumber as soon as possible.
• Corrosion – Metal water pipes are susceptible to corrosion. Corrosion can weaken piping; lower the maximum pressure it can withstand. Corrosion can also clog piping, increasing water pressure. If you have a corroded pipe, replace it, so it doesn’t burst.

• Ground Movements – If sudden or severe ground movements occur – such as shifts in soil or earth tremors – your buried piping can become damaged. Heavy rainfall can also cause the soil to shift and your piping to sink. These are natural events and cannot be prevented.
• External Pressure – When external pressure occurs above where pipes are buried, damage to the pipes can occur. Causes of external pressure can include traffic, construction activities, and more. Preventing soil erosion and human activities above where pipes are buried can help.
• Aging – Over time, your piping will age, and the material they are made from will deteriorate. Piping that has aged significantly will be weaker than piping that is new. The weakness in the old piping can expose it to damages it may not otherwise have endured.

We Can Replace Your Old Piping With PEX Piping

Older homes usually have galvanized pipes. At a time, these were all the rage. Over the decades, however, these pipes have proven to be a little less than perfect. They’re prone to water damage and can burst or leak more easily than other types of pipes. Copper pipes came out after galvanized pipes and were welcomed with equally open arms. They’re durable but also a somewhat soft metal. They seemed to be an excellent replacement for the older galvanized pipes. But copper comes with its own issues, like giving water a metallic taste and easily busting if water freezes in them. That’s why we highly recommend PEX piping. It’s a super durable plastic that’s highly flexible and easy to maintain.