Plumbing Trouble: Summertime and Burst Pipes

In this blog post, Texas Rooter outlines the common causes of burst pipes in summer and how to protect them from damage when the warm weather arrives. If you’re looking for a qualified plumber specializing in burst pipe repair and replacement, look no further than Texas Rooter. Below, we explore why pipes can burst during summer.

• Thermal Expansion

Thermal expansion is a major concern during the summer months, as it is a common culprit behind burst pipes. Heated water expands inside water pipes and puts extra pressure on the pipes. In a closed plumbing system, this expansion may cause pipe fracturing, pipe buckling, loose valves, and even water heater damage. If your pipes are older, they can easily develop leaks or burst in extreme cases. The solution to this problem is simple and inexpensive—have a licensed plumber in Arlington, TX to install a thermal expansion relief valve at the point of entry.

• Increase Water Demand and Pressure

During the summer, water consumption rises due to increased outdoor activities such as watering lawns, filling pools, and washing vehicles. This heightened demand puts additional pressure on plumbing systems. If pipes are already weak or compromised, the excessive force can cause them to burst.

• Ground Shifting and Soil Movement

Hot summer temperatures can cause the soil to dry out and shift, especially in areas with clay-heavy ground. This movement can put stress on underground pipes. When pressure builds inside these weakened sections, pipes may eventually burst.

• High Water Pressure

Municipal water systems sometimes increase pressure to meet summer demand. The ideal water pressure for residential properties should range between 40 and 80 PSI. Anything above this limit puts additional strain on household plumbing. If pipes are old or already weakened, they may not withstand the extra force. Installing a pressure regulator can help prevent excessive stress on your plumbing system.

• Corrosion

Pipes, especially older metal ones, corrode over time due to constant exposure to water and minerals. High temperatures and increased water flow in summer accelerate this process. Corroded pipes develop weak spots; hence, they’re more likely to fail under pressure. Consider repiping your home if most of the piping is corroded. The experts at Texas Rooter are here to help you repipe your property.

• Aging Pipes

Older plumbing systems, particularly those made from outdated materials like galvanized steel or cast iron, deteriorate over time. Summer’s fluctuating temperatures and higher water pressure can push aging pipes past their breaking point.

How To Protect Your Pipes During Summer

• Insulate exposed pipes to stabilize their temperature.
• Monitor and regulate water pressure—it should never exceed 80 psi, as it could lead to burst pipes.
• Schedule regular pipe inspections with an experienced plumber.
• Replace deteriorating plumbing pipes—call a professional repiping specialist to do the job.
• Install leak detections and automatic shut-off valves.

What Should I Do If My Pipes Burst?

A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent water waste and damage. Start by turning off the water at the main shut-off valve and remove any standing water as you wait for a plumber to arrive. We recommend you have a trustworthy plumber on speed dial for such emergencies.

Trust Texas Rooter For Pipe Repair

Texas Rooter is the plumbing company to call when you need professional pipe repair services. Perhaps you’ve noticed signs of a leak in your home, your water pipes have become noisy, or maybe one of your pipes has burst. Our expert plumbers are equipped with advanced tools to fix damaged pipes in a minimally invasive manner.