What Causes Burst Pipes and How Can I Prevent Them?
“Burst or blocked pipes are the leading cause of water damage, making up 46% of related claims,” – QBE Insurance, Insurance News.
We visit the doctor and mechanic at least once a year, but many of us don’t realise our home’s plumbing also needs regular maintenance. Servicing your pipes annually can help prevent costly issues like burst pipes and flooding.
High Water Pressure Can Cause Burst Pipes
While high water pressure feels great in the shower or when washing your car, it puts extra stress on pipes and appliances. According to Australian Standards, water pressure in buildings must not exceed 500kpa. If it does, you risk burst pipes, flooding, and property damage.
Failing to meet these standards can also affect your insurance coverage. Many insurers won’t cover damage caused by excessive water pressure. Additionally, warranties for appliances like hot water systems, dishwashers, and plumbed refrigerators may become void.
To avoid these problems, have a licensed plumber check your water pressure. If necessary, they can install a pressure reduction valve. At Complete Plumbing QLD, we can also inspect your water meter to ensure it’s working correctly, as faults can affect your water bill.
Are Your Stormwater Drains Clear?
Heavy rain often washes leaves, sand, and mulch into stormwater drains. Without regular cleaning, this debris builds up and causes blockages. Blocked drains prevent water from flowing freely, leading to water backing up into your roof’s eaves. If left unresolved, this can cause significant roof damage.
To keep your stormwater system working efficiently, clean the drains after wet weather. Our plumbers use plunging rods and jet rodding machines to remove blockages and debris.
“Damaged roofs and old or worn-out plumbing each accounted for 27.2% (of water damage related claims)” – QBE Insurance, Insurance News.
Avoid Sewer Blockages
No one wants to deal with a sewer blockage. However, issues like sagging sewer lines can disrupt the flow in pipes. Over time, the soil supporting the pipe may shift. This movement can be caused by tree roots, heavy rain, or temperature changes.
To prevent sewer problems, have your pipes inspected annually. At Complete Plumbing QLD, we use drain camera technology to identify issues such as cracks or root intrusion. This ensures we diagnose and address the problem correctly.
For further information from your local council visit:
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