When you hear someone commiserating about a burst water line, you almost always think of an issue that occurs in the winter. Cold weather and drastic temperature swings take their toll on older pipes. But what many homeowners in do not think about are the summer hazards that can cause some still very annoying and costly burst water lines. Knowing the situations that often contribute to summertime burst pipes can help you avoid these unwanted expenses and the mess that often comes with a floor of water.
The Root Of All Pipe Problems
Tree roots might not be the cause of all water and sewer line issues, but they account for many more than you might imagine. When you are trying to envision the reach of a tree’s root system, picture a mirror image of the tree above and underground. The roots will extend equally as far as the canopy of most deciduous trees. Also, keep in mind that you never shape or trim the roots, so the roots on a tightly manicured tree will reach much further than the tree branches.
When a tree root comes in contact with an obstacle, it does not stop growing or change direction. Instead, it continues to grow right around the object. In the case of a water pipe or sewer line, the root will encompass the pipe and eventually crush it. And with the ideal growing conditions in the warmer spring and summer months, this is often when you discover pipes that burst under the pressure of a rogue tree root.
Corrosion And Rust
Older pipes can also fall victim to rust and corrosion. Homes built in the early 70s are closing in on or have reached the 50-year-old point. There are no pipes that were in use at that time, which offered a life expectancy in excess of 50 years. If you have not had your water and sewer lines inspected for rust and corrosion damage, it is time to have a licensed plumber deploy a camera to determine the condition of your home’s plumbing and drain lines. The added moisture of summer rain and watering could be all that is needed to help that rust finally compromise your home’s water line and create a huge mess and contamination to your plumbing system.
Beware Of Progress
Summertime is typically the ideal time for building and construction projects. And that means it is also the time of year when pieces of equipment and even shovels begin bursting pipes across the country. Unfortunately, this accidental damage is not as uncommon as you might expect. Many DIYers and even unlicensed contractors make a habit of digging into the soil before they have contacted a locating service to make underground utilities and water lines. Call before you dig is a simple concept and a very effective way to avoid some costly mistakes.
Even if a shovel or piece of equipment does not directly hit your water lines, the project could still be responsible for shifting soil, a soil washout, or excessive weight over a pipe that results in a burst water line. To avoid these issues, mark all water and drain lines before any work on or near your property. The time it takes to provide this information to construction crews could avert more severe and costly issues like a burst water line contaminating indoor lines and your appliances.
Call (214) 388-4525 if you have questions about locating your water lines or think that you have a burst pipe. The licensed plumbers from Metroplex Leak & Locate will arrive quickly to get the issue corrected as affordably as possible.
