Burst water pipes can cause serious damage to your home—leading to waterlogged walls, ruined flooring, and costly repairs. While many people assume metal pipes like copper are immune to failure, the reality is more complex. Even the most durable plumbing systems are vulnerable to specific conditions over time.
So, what actually causes a burst or leaking water pipe? Let’s explore the most common culprits.
🧪 1. Internal Corrosion
Most household pipes in the UK are still made of copper, a metal known for its strength and longevity. But despite its durability, copper isn’t invincible—especially when the water running through it is too acidic or too alkaline.
- Acidic water (low pH) can corrode the internal surface of copper pipes, wearing them down from the inside out. Over time, this leads to pinhole leaks or full pipe failure.
- Alkaline water (high pH), on the other hand, causes limescale build-up. While this might sound bad, the scale actually acts as a protective barrier, reducing the risk of corrosion—but it can still lead to other problems, like reduced flow.
💡 Tip: If you notice green or blue staining around taps or fixtures, you may have water that’s too acidic, which could be damaging your pipework.
💥 2. High Water Pressure
Water pressure that’s too high for the pipe diameter is another major cause of burst pipes. When pressure builds up, it puts excess strain on the pipe walls—especially at joints or bends—until the material can no longer hold it.
- Over time, this pressure can cause cracks, especially in narrow pipes.
- The general rule: the higher the pressure, the wider the pipe should be to distribute the force safely.
🛠️ If your water pressure seems unusually high, a professional plumber can install a pressure-reducing valve to protect your system.
❄️ 3. Freezing Temperatures
In winter, frozen pipes are a common issue—particularly in unheated areas like lofts, basements, or garages.
When water freezes inside a pipe:
- It expands, causing internal pressure to skyrocket.
- This can create blockages, which lead to cracks or bursts when water flow resumes.
🥶 Prevention tip: Insulate exposed pipework during the colder months and keep your home’s heating on low if you’re away in winter.
⚠️ 4. Poor Installation or Workmanship
While older pipes are more prone to corrosion, if you’ve recently had plumbing work done and notice a leak soon after, it might be due to improper installation.
- Bad soldering, poor pipe alignment, or incorrect fittings can all weaken your system.
- Always ensure you’re using a qualified and experienced plumber (like Mint Heating and Plumbing!) to avoid issues later.
🧰 In Summary: Common Causes of Burst Pipes
- Internal corrosion from acidic water
- Limescale build-up from alkaline water
- Excess water pressure in pipes with small diameters
- Freezing water expanding within the pipe
- Substandard installation or materials
👨🔧 Worried About a Leak?
If you’ve spotted signs of water damage, decreased water pressure, or an unexplained rise in your water bill, it could be due to a leak. At Mint Heating and Plumbing, we offer leak detection, pipe repairs, and full system inspections across South West London and Surrey.
📞 Get in touch today for peace of mind and professional plumbing support.