A leaking pipe is often seen as an annoyance, but it can be a lot more than annoying. We’ve talked about how it could produce mold and cause property damage. So, how can you tell if a pipe is leaking and be preventive instead of reactive?

Freezing temperatures are a big threat to the health of your pipes. When winter hits, you can quickly go from a cozy home to a plumbing emergency, leaving you with frozen pipes and without water. If you find yourself in this awful but common situation, turn off the water and call a professional plumber to fix your frozen pipes and further inspect your water supply lines.

Most of the time, when a pipe bursts, it’s due to freezing temperatures, but other factors can cause a pipe to burst, such as:

• High water pressure: Pipes can burst if the water pressure is too high. High water pressure can happen when the water supply lines are not properly regulated.
• Corrosion: Over time, pipes can become corroded, which can weaken the walls of the pipes and cause them to burst.
• Physical damage: Pipes can be damaged by heavy machinery, excavation, or other physical impacts.

How to Prevent Pipe Bursts

• Monitor water pressure: Regularly check and regulate the water pressure to avoid spikes that can cause pipes to burst.
• Replace old pipes: If your pipes are old and corroded, consider replacing them to prevent bursting.
• Avoid physical damage: Take care when excavating or performing construction work near pipes to avoid damaging them.