Can a Pipe Burst in the Summer: What You Need To Know

If you live in a cold climate, you know water pipes often burst during the winter. Water can freeze and cause the line to expand past the breaking point. But can a pipe burst in the summer? Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

Just because it’s summertime doesn’t mean your pipes are safe. Any number of things can cause a burst pipe. Below, you’ll find some common reasons why your pipes might rupture and how to prevent it.

7 Reasons Your Pipes Might Burst During the Summer

1. High Temperatures

High temperatures cause pipes to burst just like low temperatures. During the summer months, constant heat and lack of rain can dry out the earth and loosen the soil. This means your underground pipes might move and shift around, resulting in breaks.

The pipes inside your home are pretty safe from high temperatures and shifting soil. But to be sure, you should monitor how much water you and your family use during heat waves. Limiting water intake will relieve pressure on the water lines and promote long-lasting pipes.

2. Increased Water Usage

With rising temperatures comes rising water demand. During the summer, everyone uses more water—filling up backyard swimming pools, washing dust and grime off cars and patios, watering flowers and vegetable gardens, and trying desperately to stay hydrated. This puts high demands on your pipes.

When you use more water, it stresses water lines. If you haven’t inspected your pipes recently or updated your pipe systems, you risk damaging them during the summer. Check your pipes before sharply increasing water usage to verify they can handle the workload.

3. Clogged Pipes

A clogged pipe creates all kinds of problems, including cracks and bursts. During a sweltering day, the last thing you need is for your water pipes to stop working. Clogs may occur for several reasons, such as

• Foreign objects entering the system
• Eroded or corroded pipes getting narrower
• Mineral deposits building up over time
• 
  

Pipes burst when the water pressure inside them exceeds their threshold. If you think the water in your area has a high level of minerals, you should consult our plumbing experts. We can inspect your pipes and find the best solution for you and your home.

If you have frequent issues with clogged pipes, reach out to our team of specialists at King’s Services. We offer expert sewer and drain cleaning in Winnipeg.

4. Old, Worn-Out Pipes

Pipes (like most everything) break down with age. Over time, pipes will wear out and deteriorate. If you have plastic pipes, they'll degenerate naturally through the years. And you'll have to worry about rust and corrosion with metal pipes eventually.

The older the pipes in your home get, the more like they are to rupture. Freezing during the winter, heat exposure during the summer, constant everyday use, and increased water pressure contribute to worn-out, damaged pipes. If you have aging pipes, the best way to avoid cracks and breaks is to replace them.

5. Eroding, Corroding Pipes

Pipes erode or corrode throughout years of constant use. This damage can lead to weak points in your water lines and increase the likelihood of cracks, leaks, and bursts. When summer rolls around, you start using more water, which strains your deteriorating pipes.

The earth surrounding your outdoor pipes can dry out and move amid blazing heat from the sun and hot water usage. It might not be a big deal for new lines, but it can lead to significant issues for deteriorating ones. An eroded, corroded pipe is also more susceptible to shifting soil.

Can a pipe burst in the summer? Yes, but you can take steps to prevent it. Having professionals inspect your pipes and assess the risks is a great way to avoid plumbing issues this summer!

6. Poor Pipe Installation

Not every professional plumber installs pipes with quality, functionality, and longevity in mind. In other words, you might have poorly installed water lines. This means your pipe system is more likely to leak, crack, and rupture this summer.

Not everyone takes your household plumbing as seriously as we do. With a substandard pipe installer, your pipe system could face the following:

• Incorrect soldering
• Insufficient insulation
• Inadequate support

Any one of these factors could lead to a burst pipe this summer. If you’re concerned about your pipe installation job, talk to our team of highly trained, knowledgeable professionals. We offer solutions that match your needs and budget.

7. Tree Roots

During the spring, everything in the yard starts growing again. Trees get bigger, their roots go deeper, and this can create problems for your piping system. Roots naturally extend toward water sources and can coil around an already weakened pipe, causing it to rupture.

If you have large trees around your home, their roots could damage your pipeline during the summer. When tree roots cause a burst pipe, you'll need professional assistance to take care of it. You might consider hiring someone for tree and stump removal to avoid future plumbing catastrophes.

Key Takeaways

Even during the hottest time of year, your pipes can burst. Don’t assume you’re in the clear because winter has come and gone. Any one of these factors could damage your water lines this summer: 

• High temperatures
• Increased water usage
• Clogged pipes
• Old, worn-out pipes
• Eroding, corroding pipes
• Poor pipe installation
• Tree roots

Having a specialist inspect your pipes will help you avoid plumbing emergencies and make the most of this summer. Get our best-in-class plumbing services today! 

Professional Plumbing Services in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Water pipes typically burst in the winter, but they can also burst during the summer months. You can rest easy knowing top-quality solutions are just around the corner with our professional plumbing services. We put the customer first in every job, ensuring you have the best experience with exceptional results.

Can a pipe burst in the summer? Yes, but we at King’s Services are available to assist 24/7. We’ll help you learn more about the steps in regular plumbing maintenance and get your pipes in tip-top shape. Call us today at (204) 815-5878!