How Do Pipes Burst?

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most common and stressful, head-inducing disasters home and business owners face is the one involving water damage. Even when there’s a fire, it’s the water used for putting the fire out that causes the most damage. 

That being said, one of the most common causes of water damage is when pipes burst. And can you guess what is the most common season for pipe bursts? If you guessed winter, then you guessed right!

As the colder temperatures are creeping in on us, our calls for water damage caused by burst pipes is sure to increase. The question is, how do pipes burst?

In the colder months, pipe burst are caused when the water inside the pipes freeze and therefore expand. As the water expands and the pressure in the pipes increase, this causes the pipe to rupture (or burst). However, that’s not when the water damage occurs. 

Water damage comes once the frozen water melts and returns to its liquid state. As the water begins to flow normally, the rupture (or bust) that took place when the frozen water expanded is  now subject to free-flowing water and this water gets through the cracks and into your ceilings, walls, basement.. basically anywhere where it shouldn’t be!

Burst pipes are headaches for homeowners. Thankfully, SERVPRO of Dartmouth / New Bedford knows just what to do to make it “Like it never even happened.” For all your winter water damage needs, call our office: 508-999-2380. We are Here to Help®