Burst Pipe Repairs in Vancouver, BC

Several factors can lead to a burst water pipe, and it's important to be aware of them to prevent water damage in your home. Education plays a crucial role in prevention, as knowing the potential sources of damage allows you to take the right preventative measures.

Cold Temperatures: Even good insulation can result in frozen pipes if the temperatures drop significantly. When water freezes, it expands and creates pressure inside the line, often resulting in cracks. Once cracks appear, water will start leaking into your home.

Old & Rusty Pipes: Many older homes still have plumbing materials such as galvanized steel and cast iron, prone to corrosion and weakness. It can be difficult to detect corroded pipes, but some warning signs include reddish-brown water, metallic taste, frequent clogs, and constant leaky pipes.

Clogs & Slow Drains: Clogged drains increase pressure within the pipes, straining connections and walls. Severe clogs can create enough force to cause a burst as the blocked material seeks a new path by breaking through the pipe walls.

Outdoor Elements: While they may be insulated against the cold, outdoor sewer pipes are vulnerable to burrowing animals, careless digging, ground vibrations, tree roots, and nearby construction. Tree roots, in particular, seek out moisture and can wrap around buried lines, causing damage and internal clogs.

Improper Installation: Poor installation increases the risk of various plumbing problems.

By understanding these potential issues and taking appropriate preventative measures, you can minimize the risk of a burst pipe and the subsequent water damage to your home.

Our pros offer all our clients excellent advice on reducing their chances of having a pipe burst.

• Run your taps: During colder weather, open faucets near exterior walls to prevent ice formation and reduce the risk of leaks and bursts. Insulating problematic pipes is also recommended.
• Keep your home warm: Properly heat your home to avoid the need for running taps. Pay attention to areas with less heat and uninsulated pipes near outer walls.
• Disconnect your hose: When not in use, disconnect and drain garden hoses to prevent freezing and potential line cracks. Shut off exterior water valves and outdoor faucets, and consider turning off the outdoor water supply altogether.
• Avoid flushing harmful materials: To prevent blockages, only flush toilet paper, human waste, and water, and avoid flushing other items that can cause clogs and damage drainage systems.
• Schedule annual inspections and drain cleaning: Professional drain cleaning can remove tree roots, while inspections can detect corrosion and prevent costly emergencies.
• Replace older lines: Consider repiping if your home has aging galvanized steel or iron pipes. Modern technology offers convenient and less invasive repiping options, providing numerous benefits and minimizing the risk of unexpected property damage.

You should always avoid flushing anything, not toilet paper or water down your drains, especially:

• Fats and oils
• "Flushable" wipes or any wet wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Coffee grounds
• Food waste
• Cat litter
• Hygiene products