It’s a common misconception that pipes only break in the winter. After all, this is when cold temperatures can freeze your water lines and build up enough internal pressure to burst the pipe. However, even though frozen pipes aren’t an issue in the summer, there are plenty of other causes of broken pipes. Here’s a look at five of them, along with what to do if your pipes break in the summer.
Reasons Pipes Can Break in Warm Weather
Most families use more water in the summer than at any other time of year. As your usage goes up, be aware that broken pipes can be caused by the following:
- Tree roots: The roots of your beautiful shade tree might be drawn toward the tiniest sewer leak. Over time, root tendrils can make their way inside the pipe, expanding until they clog or split the sewer line entirely.
- Alternating wet and dry spells: Rainy summer days make the soil in your yard heavy with moisture. Then, dry periods can loosen the dirt and cause it to shift. Both scenarios can jostle pipes around and cause breaks.
- Rust and old age: Corroded pipe joints, aging seals, and hardened rubber hoses can wear out, weaken, and eventually fail any time of year.
- Substandard repair work: It can be hard to spot a shoddy soldering job until it’s too late. That’s why it’s best to rely on a plumber for extensive pipe repairs.
- Poorly aimed shovels: Construction and landscaping projects are common summertime activities. Make sure you know where your plumbing is located before you dig!
What to Do If You Find a Broken Pipe
When a broken pipe floods your home, every minute counts. Here’s how to minimize the water damage and begin the restoration process:
- Act fast: Turn your home’s main water shutoff valve to stop the flow of water from a broken supply line. If the break is a sewer pipe, pause all water usage to avoid adding to the leak.
- Fix the break: You’ll need a plumber’s help to find and replace the damaged pipe. Be prepared to cut holes in the wall or dig trenches in the yard, depending on where the break occurred.
- Clean up the water: You must dry your home’s structure quickly to avoid mold growth. Begin by soaking up standing water, opening the windows, and setting up fans.
- Request emergency water damage services: There’s only so much you can do without professional water extraction and structural drying equipment. That’s why you need help from a water damage restoration company to recover after a pipe breaks in the summer.
DKI is here to help! We have nearly 50 years of experience providing emergency water damage restoration to residential and commercial customers. With over 200 locations nationwide, chances are we have a local presence in your area. If you need immediate water damage cleanup, call us right away at 866.277.2977 to request 24-hour emergency service.