Having one of the pipes in your plumbing burst is every homeowner’s nightmare. In Toronto, where harsh winters and ice storms put extra pressure on plumbing systems, that’s doubly so.
A burst pipe means it’s time to act now. The faster you move, the less potential there is for damage and future headaches. Luckily, we have some temporary home fixes that can work in the short term.
In this guide, we’ll go over why pipes burst, what you can do right now, and how to prevent it from happening again. We’ll also discuss when it’s time to call in a professional and why this may be the best solution.
Table of Contents
Why Do Pipes Burst?
In Toronto, pipes bursting are a fairly common problem with plumbing, especially during winter when pipes can freeze. In fact, the City of Toronto asks residents to take steps to protect pipes from freezing in colder months.
However, sub-zero temperatures aren’t the only cause. Here are the most common reasons it can happen.
1. Freezing Temperatures in Winter
When the mercury really drops, water freezes inside your pipes and expands. This puts pressure on pipe walls, and sometimes they can burst. Uninsulated pipes are the most vulnerable.
2. High Water Pressure
If your home’s water pressure is too high, it can put stress on your plumbing. Over time, pipes get weakened and can burst. That’s just the start: the added force from high water pressure can cause other sections of your plumbing to wear out faster, meaning over time you might be dealing with more than just one burst.
3. Corroded or Damaged Pipes
This is a common problem for older homes in Toronto. As the decades pass, pipes will naturally age and corrode. Weak spots and cracks develop, and eventually, pipes can burst. Even small leaks can escalate if not taken care of.
What To Do When A Pipe Bursts
Here’s a step-by-step guide to minimizing the damage before help arrives.
1. Turn Off the Main Water Supply
Before you do anything else, turn off your water. Find your home’s main water shutoff valve (it’s usually in the basement near the water heater) and make sure it’s closed off all the way. The most important thing is stopping water from flooding your home.
2. Drain the Faucets
Once your main water supply is off, go around your house and turn on all your faucets, draining the remaining water from your plumbing.
3. Capture Leaking Water
Grab buckets, towels, pots or whatever you have on hand to capture as much water as possible. You want to prevent water from damaging your floors and furniture. If the burst is near an electrical outlet, be extra careful and avoid standing in water.
4. Call A Professional Plumber
A burst pipe isn’t something to mess around with. Forget the pipe sealants and tape; call a professional plumber right away. They have the expertise and tools to expertly replace your pipe and inspect your system to make sure you don’t (and won’t) have any more pipe breaks.
5. Temporary DIY Measures
If you have them in your house, use pipe repair tape, rubber patches, or pipe clamps to cover and stop the leak temporarily. This can stop water from leaking but it’s a temporary seal. You can also insulate pipes exposed to cold air with towels or blankets to prevent other bursts, especially if you’re in a really cold spell.
6. Burst Pipe Don’ts
- Don’t weld or solder the pipe yourself: Unless you’re a professional, you could cause further damage or hurt yourself.
- Don’t use duct tape as a solution: Duct tape won’t last long and will probably lead to more problems once your water is back on.
- Don’t use excessive force: Over-tightening clamps can cause more damage.
- Don’t leave it unattended: While waiting for a plumber, keep your eye on the situation.
It’s important that you call a plumber ASAP. Your burst pipe may be a symptom of larger problems. A professional plumber will be able to look beyond just your pipe and give you an accurate diagnosis of your plumbing. Plumbers also have specialized tools, materials, and the skills to replace your pipe and make sure your repair is done to code, which is crucial for insurance claims and your home’s long-term safety.
Why You Shouldn’t DIY the Repair
While there are plenty of DIY videos on YouTube, a burst pipe isn’t something you should tackle on your own. Here’s why:
1. Risk of More Damage
Temporary fixes can make your plumbing problems worse down the road. If not done properly, or if you use the wrong materials, or the pipe isn’t secured, you could come home one day to a flooded basement. It’s not worth it.
2. Long-Term Water Damage
With a burst pipe, water can seep into exterior walls, floors, and other structural areas without you knowing, leading to mold, mildew, rot, and structural damage. Without a professional repair and inspection, you might not realize you have more problems than just a pipe.
3. Entire Plumbing System at Risk
A burst pipe can be a symptom of a bigger issue with your plumbing. A professional plumber will be able to give your house a thorough inspection and diagnose those problems before they lead to more damage.
Preventing Burst Pipes in the Future
Here are some ways to help prevent this from happening in the future.
1. Regular Maintenance
Hire a professional to inspect your plumbing system once a year. They’ll thoroughly inspect your home and find weak spots, corrosion, leaks, areas where pipes could freeze, issues with your water pressure, and other potential problems before they result in leaking or burst pipes.
2. Insulate Pipes for Winter
Prevent frozen pipes by insulating them. Have your exposed pipes wrapped in foam or some other form of insulation to keep them from freezing during cold snaps.
3. Install Pressure Relief Valves
Pressure relief valves will help manage the high water pressure in your plumbing system. Installing one can extend the life of your pipes and prevent bursts caused by pressure build-up. A plumber will be able to check your water pressure and install one for you.
How Dr HVAC Can Help
At Dr HVAC, our licensed Red Seal plumbers specialize in repairing burst pipes, plumbing inspections, and other common plumbing issues in the Greater Toronto Area. If you have a burst pipe or want it taken care of, give us a call immediately.
We’ll replace any burst pipes – professionally and up to code. We’ll do a full inspection of your plumbing system to find the root cause. We’ll make recommendations based on what we find. Then we’ll test your system and make sure there are no further risks.
Request a Quote
Contact us for a free quote. We’re ready to fix your burst pipe, make sure your plumbing system’s health is back to 100%, and give you long-term peace of mind.
Not addressing your burst pipe immediately is putting your home at risk. Call us now and put your plumbing problems behind you.
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