Homeowners in Hurricane, UT, are often caught off guard when their pipes burst in the summer months.
Most people expect bursts to only happen in the winter months due to frozen pipes. However, the summer temperatures here, which hover around 100 degrees on most summer days, can be equally demanding on your plumbing pipes.
What causes a pipe to burst in summer? As the most experienced plumbers in Hurricane, Utah, this is one question we hear frequently when the temperatures start to climb.
In this post, we’ll discuss all of the top reasons for pipes bursting during summer and what you can do about them.
What Causes a Pipe To Burst in Summer?
Below are some of the most common causes of burst pipes in the summer.
Temperature Swings
Wild temperature fluctuations are a leading cause of burst pipes in Hurricane. On most summer days, the temperature here in Hurricane, UT, rises to 100 degrees. As the sun goes down, the temperature drops by more than 40% to around 60 degrees.
Such temperature fluctuations cause metal and plastic pipes to expand and contract regularly. This puts a lot of stress on the pipe material. When the pipe walls get weak enough, cracks will follow.
It’s unlikely that a healthy pipe will burst due to temperature fluctuations. However, the impact of temperature swings builds up over the years. The pipes that burst this summer may have been deteriorating over the last five or more years.
What can you do about this? Always go with highly durable plumbing pipes, such as PEX, that can withstand years of contraction and expansion. If you’d rather not repipe your house, you can have your plumbing contractor add insulation to existing pipes.
Increased Water Pressure
Increased water pressure is one of the most common causes of pipes bursting in the summer. As temperatures rise, so too do water demands. People use more water for frequent showers, watering the landscape, filling up swimming pools, and more. The extra demand can lead to increased water pressure within your plumbing system.
If you have any pipes that are already old or weak due to corrosion, they are more likely to burst under the added pressure.
You can avoid this issue by paying more attention to your water pressure during the summer months. Ensure it stays within 40-60 PSI, and most of your pipes should be fine. For extra protection, consider installing a pressure regulator to automatically balance out the pressure when it starts getting too high.
Corrosion and Wear
Corrosion is one of the top answers to “What causes a pipe to burst in summer?” If you have metal pipes, they will react with the minerals in the water, leading to rust and weakening of the pipe structure. Over time, the pipe will fail. In the summer, the extreme heat helps worsen corrosion in the pipes that are already rusty.
Throw in the extra wear from the increased usage of the plumbing system, and there’s a high chance of the pipes bursting.
To avoid the mishap of corroded pipes bursting in the summer, schedule periodic professional inspections to identify sections of corroded pipes and replace them before they become serious issues.
Ground Movement
Pipes underground can burst in the summer due to ground movement. The movement puts pressure on pipes, causing them to burst. The joints are often the most vulnerable.
The ground can move for two major reasons. Firstly, the soil can contract and shift if it becomes excessively dry due to the extreme heat. Ground dry-out is a major issue in landscapes with loose soil.
Secondly, erosion can also make the soil shift. This is more likely here in Hurricane, UT, as we experience heavy summer rainfall. The soil will expand and shift once it becomes too saturated.
To avoid the impact of ground dry-out on plumbing pipes, you should work with an experienced plumber who understands the challenge during underground pipe installations. They will prepare the work site properly and bury the pipes deep enough to reduce the potential impact of the ground shifting.
Dealing with erosion is more straightforward. Set up a proper drainage system around your landscape to reduce the risk of rainwater washing away the topsoil.
Tree Root Intrusion
The beautiful trees around your landscape add to your property’s curb appeal. They also help make the summer temperatures more bearable. But do you know their roots can damage your pipes? Indeed, tree root intrusion is one of the top answers to “What causes a pipe to burst in summer?”.
Many trees enter their growing season between spring and summer. Their roots are highly active during this window. They will naturally seek out sources of water, so your underground pipes are very attractive. It only takes the tiniest of leaks to attract roots to a pipe.
Depending on the size of the roots, they can pierce the pipe, causing leaks (and blockages in some cases).
The best way to avoid having roots break your pipe in the summer is to pay more attention to where you plant your trees and shrubs. For already existing trees, an arborist can help you find the best way to stop root growth toward your pipes.
In most cases, they recommend installing root barriers or spraying the tree roots with a growth inhibitor.
Clogs and Blockages
Summer in Hurricane, UT, sees more people embracing the outdoors. Some of the most popular sites for residents include Quail Creek State Park, Sand Hollow State Park, Sky Mountain Golf Course, and Zion National Park.
When you or your family members head out to spend time around these locations, you’re likely to return with lots of dirt and debris under your shoes and your clothes. Washing off the dirt and debris in your bathroom can lead to foreign materials entering the plumbing system and causing blockages.
The restricted water flow can cause pressure to build up behind the blockage, eventually causing the affected pipes(s) to burst.
You can avoid this by being cautious about what you put in your plumbing system. If you return from a hike or other outdoor event, empty your pockets and dust your shoes and clothes outside to reduce the risk of foreign objects going down your plumbing system.
It’s also a good idea to schedule a general drain cleaning service before the summer. The extreme heat can cause grease, soap scum, and other debris to block your pipes and cause cracks.
Poor Repair Work and Maintenance Habits
This is another common explanation for “What causes a pipe to burst in the summer?”. If your pipes have broken down recently but weren’t repaired by a licensed plumber, there’s a high chance they will break down again with the added pressure of summer’s heat.
Similarly, a pipe system that hasn’t seen any maintenance work for years will likely break down during one of the busiest periods of the year for plumbing systems.
External Mechanical Damage
Summertime activities don’t always involve going outside to parks. Families with yards use their landscape to relax and entertain during the summer. Kids playing energetically can cause damage to the pipes. You might not notice the damage until someone turns on a faucet or flushes the toilet.
Other activities that can cause mechanical damage to your pipes include summertime gardening, installing a new fence, and doing remodeling work around your home. Sometimes, vibrations from construction work on your neighbor’s property can cause the pipes to rattle and crack.
What Should You Do When Your Pipes Break in the Summer in Hurricane, UT?
Pipe breaks can be highly frustrating, especially when they happen at a time when you’re least expecting it. However, you can mitigate the situation with the right plan of attack. Here’s what you should do:
- Move quickly. When it comes to limiting the impact of broken pipes, every minute counts. If the break affected a supply pipe, turn off the supply to the appliance through its designated valve or the main shutoff valve for your house. For breaks in the sewer line, stop using water to avoid worsening the leak.
- Clean up some of the water damage. If the broken pipe leads to water entering your home, clean up the mess with mops, towels, or a wet vac. Air out the space immediately to prevent mold growth.
- Call a plumber. Fixing a broken pipe is not a DIY job. Call an experienced plumber to fix the damage in the most cost-effective way.
What Causes a Pipe To Burst in Summer in Hurricane? We Have the Answers
What causes a pipe to burst in summer? As you’ve seen thus far, there’s a long list of reasons. However, at Iron Mountain Plumbing, the cause of the damage doesn’t matter to our highly experienced crew. You can relax knowing that the solution to the problem is only one phone call away.
We don’t just repair spot cracks and breakages. We can replace old pipes with minimal disruption to your property.
Are you ready to schedule a repair? Call the Iron Mountain Plumbing team in Hurricane, UT, at 435•241•7031 to get started.