With temperatures starting to dip it means winter is rolling in. With lower temperatures becoming the new normal, frozen pipes are starting to become a common nuisance for homeowners and businesses. Water pipes freezing is the leading culprit of burst water pipes that can cause so much costly damage. When temperatures dip below freezing, water inside your pipes can turn into ice and expand. This puts tremendous pressure on your system, which can in turn cause them to crack and burst.
In many cases, a homeowner or business owner may not even realize their water pipes have burst until the frozen pipe has thawed and the leaking begins. You may be out for the day, then return to your home or office only to find water damage and mold growth.
What Causes Burst Water Pipes
While freezing temperatures are the main cause of burst pipes, other underlying factors can also contribute to pipe cracks and damage. When rust and corrosion build up inside pipes, for instance, the pipe material can degrade and become more vulnerable to bursting. Trees located near your pipes can also send out their roots to invade pipes, leading to cracks and leaks. Significant soil movement caused by construction, temperature changes, or plumbing system repairs can damage water pipes, as can high water pressure and serious clogs that make their way deep within the system.
Frozen Pipes Lead to Moisture
Moisture is the number one cause of mold growth. Mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours on any surface, regardless of the material. These situations create the perfect formula for mold growth.
- Leaking Pipes – Leaks will allow moisture to settle in an area, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow. Leaks can occur through various methods, either via plumbing or a vulnerability in your home or business’s construction. Remember that in the event of a leak or water intrusion, it’s crucial to address the issue at the source—don’t address the issue of mold without addressing the cause.
- Flooding and Water Damage – Flooding and water damage due to frozen pipes are two more major causes of mold, bringing significant amounts of water into a space. Standing water allows moisture to remain in a single area, giving mold a chance to grow. In the event of a flood or water damage emergency, it is important to act as quickly as possible to remove the moisture. Since mold begins to develop quickly, taking action to fully dry out the area is essential for controlling its growth. However, drying out a space is easier said than done. A flood can cause water to soak into the materials of an area, including the carpet, drywall, furniture, and more.
Get Professional Mold Remediation From Bactronix
The next time your pipes freeze and break, consider it water under the bridge. Mold can be tricky, but with the right prevention strategies and the right support, you can keep your home or business safe. Whether it’s the result of a leaky pipe or a water damage emergency, Bactronix technicians can take care of the mess. Our customers have rated our technicians as superior in every way—fast, professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. They arrive on time, finish on time, and, most of all, they care about you. When you need to call us, we’ll be here to lend a helping hand.
