A plumbing pipe can burst suddenly due to several acute destructive forces, most notably extreme sub-freezing winter weather where water inside uninsulated pipes freezes and expands, generating internal hydraulic pressures exceeding 2,000 psi. Other major causes include severe water pressure spikes (water hammer) when valves shut off abruptly, extreme aging and internal corrosion scaling that thins pipe walls, or severe shifting of building foundations that places unbearable mechanical stress on rigid plumbing joints. Verification: Insulate vulnerable supply lines and install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if home water pressure exceeds 80 psi.
1 votes
Marked as accepted