Braided hoses, more commonly known as flexible pipes, are routinely used in homes for plumbing purposes to attach fixtures and appliances to the water supply. Unfortunately, these tubes can burst without warning - resulting in a disheartening plumbing emergency. If you recently experienced this complication from one of your taps connected with a flexible pipe, it's crucial to recognize what caused it and how you can prevent future occurrences.
Corrosion is one of the most typical reasons flexible pipes burst. With time, the metal braiding that offers flexibility to these pipes can corrode and weaken, becoming more prone to bursting. This occurs more often in areas with hard water where mineral accumulation accelerates corrosion significantly.
When fitting or replacing a flexible pipe, it is imperative to ensure that the connections are firm but not too tight. Excessively tightening can cause the legs of the tube to become deformed and weak, thus making them more predisposed to bursting open. Unraveling this mystery allows us to avoid potential disasters caused by burst flexible pipes!
As pipes age, they become increasingly prone to bursting. Flexible pipes older than five years should be replaced as soon as possible in order to avoid any potential disasters. Additionally, physical damage can cause a flexible pipe to burst if it is punctured or kinked due to installation near sharp edges or tight spaces. Therefore, it's important to ensure that these areas are examined thoroughly before and during installation of the pipe system for maximum safety.
To guard against further harm and avoid potential flooding, the first move when managing a ruptured flexible pipe is to turn off the water supply in that area. Following this urgently crucial step, it's time to call an experienced plumber for any necessary repairs or replacements of the affected part.
In order to avoid a future burst flexible pipe incident, it is imperative that steps are taken in maintaining the pipes and rectifying any issues that might be causing this problem. This may involve inspecting and testing the pipes for corrosion, replacing faulty or worn-out ones, as well as being mindful of how they were installed - such as not over-tightening fittings.
In conclusion, burst flexible pipes can be caused by a variety of factors, including corrosion, over-tightening of connections, aging, and physical damage. If you're dealing with a burst flexible pipe on your tap, it's important to turn off the water supply, call a plumber, and take steps to prevent it from happening again. Regular maintenance and inspections can help to ensure that your pipes remain in good condition and minimize the risk of a plumbing emergency.