Common Causes of Burst Pipes and Water Leaks in Los Angeles Homes

Burst pipes and sudden water leaks are some of the most expensive plumbing failures a Los Angeles homeowner can face. These are the six causes behind most of them.

1. Corrosion in older galvanized supply lines. Many LA homes built before 1970 still have galvanized pipe. After decades of hard SoCal water, the interior rusts through from the inside out.

2. High water pressure. Anything above 80 PSI stresses joints, fittings, and fixtures. A failed pressure regulator (PRV) is one of the most common burst-pipe culprits we find.

3. Slab shifting and seismic movement. LA's soil moves. Copper lines under the slab can crack at a fitting and leak for months before symptoms appear.

4. Tree roots and ground pressure on supply lines. Mature ficus, palm, and pepper trees crush and infiltrate buried piping.

5. Freezing nights in higher-elevation LA neighborhoods. Pasadena, Altadena, and the foothills do hit freezing, and unprotected hose bibs and exterior copper can split.

6. Aging fittings, valves, and fixture connectors. Braided supply lines under sinks and behind toilets have a 5 to 8 year service life and routinely burst when ignored.

Prevention. Install or replace your PRV, test pressure annually, replace braided supply lines on a schedule, and consider a whole-house repipe if you have three or more pinhole leaks in two years.

If a pipe has already failed, shut off your main water valve and call (213) 660-7353 for emergency plumbing repair in Los Angeles, any hour of the day or night.

Related: What to do during a plumbing emergency · Signs you need an emergency plumber