Pipe Leaks and Bursts

Drip, Drip, Deluge!

Parmi tous les types de dommages causés par l'eau dans un lieu de travail ou une maison, les fuites et ruptures de tuyaux peuvent être les plus dommageables. Pourquoi? Les petites fuites passent souvent inaperçues (ou sont ignorées) pendant de longues périodes, tandis qu'une conduite d'eau de 1 pouce peut pomper des centaines de gallons d'eau par minute. Pendant un jour férié ou une fin de semaine, lorsque personne n’est présent, ce déluge pourrait ne pas être détecté pendant des jours! La protection de vos biens contre ce type de sinistre vaut bien le temps et les efforts nécessaires. Nous vous présentons ici les points les plus importants de l'identification, de la prévention et de la restauration des dégâts des eaux résultant de la rupture d'une conduite d'alimentation en eau.

What Causes Pipes to Leak?

With the exception of very old buildings, it is exceedingly rare to see pipe corrosion as the primary contributor to a breach. Almost all recent and new construction boasts water supply lines made from materials built to last a lifetime. On occasion though, mechanical failure, improper installation or faulty materials can be the culprit in a pipe malfunction. In any of these instances, a specialist can share knowledge, experience and an educated opinion on the source of the failure and can offer guidance for engaging your insurance provider.

Signs of Water Damage

Not all pipe breaches are “gushers,” bursting and spewing water dramatically. Slow, persistent pipe leaks, while harder to detect, can cause just as much – if not more! – damage to a home or workplace, especially if the damage goes unnoticed for a long period. Learning to spot the early signs of hidden water damage from pipe leaks (behind walls, above ceilings, etc.) can save an enormous amount of time and money. Common indicators of water damage are:

• Dark or wet spots on walls or ceilings
• Odor
• Swollen baseboards
• Bubbling paint
• Peeling wallpaper
• Soft drywall
• Warped ceiling tiles
• Sudden loss of water pressure
• An unusually high water bill

No matter the size or scope of the damage, it is imperative to act at the first sign of a problem. Investigate and address the source of the issue immediately. Engaging a professional will help to determine the true extent of the damage and allow repairs to begin as soon as possible. Deferring any maintenance will no doubt cost much more down the line. Learn more about the signs of water damage here.