Most people picture burst pipes in winter when temperatures are freezing, and there is ice. Pipe bursts may also happen in the summer and catch homeowners by surprise. While the reasons for summer pipe bursts may differ from those of winter, they can result in water damage. Understanding the cause of the problem will prevent the need for costly repairs. This article explores the common factors that can cause pipes to burst during the summer and what can be done to reduce the risks.
- Increased Water Pressure
Water pressure increases during the summer. During the summer, people use more water to water their lawns, fill up swimming pools, and use sprinklers. When water demand is high, the pressure in the pipes may also rise.
A high level of water pressure could cause weak spots to rupture in your pipes. This is more of a concern for older pipes with leaks and weak connections. Installing an automatic pressure regulator helps maintain safe water pressure and reduces the risk of pipe damage.
- The Movement Of Soil And Ground Shifts
The summer months are often dry, especially in regions that have experienced droughts or hot temperatures. The soil may shift, expand, and contract when the ground dries. These movements put pressure on underground pipes and can lead to cracks.
In addition, heavy rainfall after a long dry spell can rapidly saturate the ground, causing it to shift. These sudden shifts in soil can stress the pipes. This is a common problem in areas with clay-rich, porous soil that changes its size and shape dramatically when moisture levels change.
- Tree Root Interception
Growing tree roots can cause pipe bursts, but it is not widely known. During the summer, tree roots seek out water sources and will often invade underground plumbing. Once roots find the cracks or joints in a pipe, they can grow inside the pipe, causing blockages.
As the roots spread, they can weaken a pipe, which may eventually crack or burst. Older plumbing often has clay or iron pipes that are easy to penetrate. To prevent tree root invasion, avoid planting near the main waterlines or consider installing a root barrier.
- Temperature Fluctuations
Even though summer is often associated with warm temperatures, some regions see significant temperature changes between the day and the night. As temperatures fluctuate, pipes can expand or contract. Over time, this may lead to joints and connections becoming weaker. Even though this is more of a threat to pipes outside or exposed, it may also affect pipes found in areas where temperature control is restricted, such as attics, garages, or crawl spaces.
To minimize the impact temperature fluctuations have on your home, ensure that any exposed pipes are insulated and that you maintain a steady indoor climate, especially where pipes are installed.
- Clogs Or Blockages
Summer can bring a lot of problems. As water is forced to force its way through a blocked pipe, the pressure in the pipe increases. If the pressure gets too high, then the pipe might burst.
Summer activities can cause blockages, such as using outdoor hoses more often, garbage disposals, or pool filter systems. Regular maintenance, including clearing drains and avoiding flushing of non-degradable products, can prevent clogs.
- Poor Installation Or Maintenance
No matter the season, pipes that are not properly installed or maintained will burst. Pipes that have been poorly installed, unsupported, or made with low-quality material are prone to leaks and ruptures when stressed. These weak points are particularly vulnerable during the summer when water and ground movement demand is greater.
Regular inspections of your plumbing system by a professional plumber can help identify problems before they result in a ruptured pipe or the need for water damage restoration.
Conclusion
Pipe bursts may often be associated with winter weather, but the summer can pose unique challenges for plumbing systems. Increased water pressure, soil moving, corrosion, or tree root intrusion can all lead to a ruptured pipe.
Preventive steps, like insulating exposed piping and performing regular checks, can help reduce the risk of a water pipe rupture during summer. You may avoid unforeseen issues and expensive repairs by taking preventative care of your plumbing.