What Causes a Pipe to Burst in the First Place? | Toronto's 24/7 Emergency Experts Explain

A burst pipe is one of the most common and destructive plumbing emergencies faced by homeowners and businesses in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Whether it happens in the dead of winter or on a sunny spring day, a sudden pipe burst can lead to extensive water damage, mold growth, electrical hazards, and thousands of dollars in repairs — all within minutes.

But have you ever wondered why pipes burst in the first place?

At 247 Restoration, we respond to dozens of burst pipe calls every month — from flooded basements in Mississauga to broken kitchen lines in downtown Toronto condos. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most common causes of burst pipes, how to prevent them, and what to do immediately if it happens to you.

🧊 1. Frozen Pipes During Winter in Toronto

Toronto’s cold winters are the #1 cause of burst pipes. When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside pipes can freeze and expand. This expansion puts extreme pressure on the pipe walls — especially in uninsulated or exposed areas like:

• Basement walls
• Crawl spaces
• Garages
• Exterior walls

Eventually, this pressure causes the pipe to crack or burst. When the ice melts, water gushes out and can flood your property fast.

Prevention Tip: Insulate exposed pipes, especially in older homes. Keep the heat on, even if you’re away during the winter.

🧪 2. Corrosion and Aging Pipes

Many Toronto homes — especially those built before the 1980s — still have galvanized steel or copper plumbing systems. Over time, minerals in the water slowly corrode the metal from the inside out. This weakens the pipe walls and makes them more prone to rupture.

Warning Signs:

• Discoloured water
• Decreased water pressure
• Rust or leaks around joints

If your pipes are more than 30 years old, they may be a ticking time bomb.

💧 3. High Water Pressure

While strong water pressure in your shower might feel nice, excessive water pressure is dangerous for your plumbing system. Pipes are designed to handle pressure between 40–60 psi. Anything higher can strain joints, valves, and pipe walls, increasing the risk of rupture.

Common causes of high water pressure:

• Faulty pressure-reducing valve (PRV)
• Municipal supply surges
• Poor plumbing design in renovations

Pro tip: Install a pressure gauge or PRV in your home if you experience surges or “hammering” sounds in pipes.

🧱 4. Poor Installation or DIY Mistakes

We get it — YouTube makes DIY plumbing look easy. But in reality, improper installation of pipes, joints, or fittings is a leading cause of leaks and bursts.

Examples:

• Insecure pipe supports
• Loose fittings
• Wrong materials used for water temperature or pressure
• Pipes installed too close to exterior walls

Plumbing is a job for licensed professionals. A small mistake in installation can cost you big later.

🌳 5. Tree Root Intrusion

In older neighborhoods like High Park, The Beaches, or Etobicoke, mature trees have deep, aggressive root systems that can invade underground water lines. As roots grow, they place pressure on pipe walls — especially clay or cast iron pipes — eventually causing cracks, leaks, or bursts.

If you have slow drains, recurring backups, or soggy patches in your yard, this could be a warning sign.

🚨 Need Immediate Help with a Burst Pipe?

Don’t wait while the water spreads. Our 24/7 emergency team at 247 Restoration is ready to take your call any time, day or night. We arrive fast, stop the damage, extract the water, and begin full restoration.

📞 Call Now: (416) 993-1111
🌐 www.247-restoration.ca

We serve Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, Vaughan, Etobicoke, Oakville, North York, and the entire GTA.

🧯 6. Ground Shifting or Sudden Impact

Construction nearby? Earthquakes? Heavy equipment on top of buried pipes? Sudden movement or shifting of the soil can put pressure on pipes and cause them to crack — especially those made from brittle materials like PVC or clay.

This kind of burst can happen without warning and is often detected only when water damage becomes visible indoors.

🔌 7. Water Hammer and Air Pressure Surges

“Water hammer” refers to that loud banging or knocking sound you hear when water is suddenly forced to stop or change direction in pipes. This creates pressure waves that can slowly weaken your plumbing system over time.

If left unchecked, it can lead to pipe bursts, especially near valves or elbows.

🔎 Final Thoughts – Don’t Wait for Disaster to Strike

Burst pipes are more than just a plumbing problem — they’re a full-on property emergency that can destroy drywall, flooring, furniture, and even lead to mold infestations if not cleaned up properly.

Understanding the causes of burst pipes — from winter freezing to poor installations — helps you take action before it’s too late.

✅ CTA: Let the Experts Handle It

At 247 Restoration, we’re not just plumbers — we’re full-service restoration professionals. From emergency response to full structural drying and insurance support, we restore your home or business quickly, safely, and professionally.

📞 Call 24/7: (416) 993-1111
📍 Serving Toronto & the GTA
🛠️ IICRC-Certified Technicians
💬 Direct Insurance Billing Available

Don’t gamble with DIY. Don’t delay. We’re on-call when you need us most.