A burst pipe is every property owner’s nightmare. Whether it happens in the basement of your home, a rental condo, or a commercial building, it can release hundreds of gallons of water in just minutes — damaging walls, ceilings, floors, and personal belongings.

In Toronto and the GTA, where winters are cold and many buildings are aging, pipe bursts are unfortunately common. But what actually causes them?

At 247-365 Restoration, we specialize in 24/7 emergency plumbing and water damage restoration. We’ve seen it all, and in this article, we’ll break down the top reasons pipes burst — and what you can do to prevent it.

🧊 1. Freezing Temperatures

In Toronto, frozen pipes are by far the most common cause of bursts during the winter. When the temperature drops below 0°C, standing water inside pipes can freeze and expand. That expansion puts pressure on the pipe wall until it eventually cracks or splits open.

At-Risk Areas:

• Exterior walls

• Unheated basements and crawl spaces

• Garages

• Attics and old condo buildings

Tip: Keep pipes warm and insulated. Open cabinet doors in winter to allow warm air in. Never turn off the heat completely when away.

🛠️ 2. Old and Corroded Plumbing

Toronto is full of beautiful older homes and buildings — but that also means old plumbing systems. Pipes made from galvanized steel, copper, or even lead are prone to corrosion and wear over time.

Corrosion thins the pipe walls, making them more vulnerable to pressure surges or even slight vibrations.

Signs of aging pipes:

• Discoloured or rusty water

• Visible corrosion around joints

• Fluctuating water pressure

• Frequent leaks

If your pipes are 30+ years old, it may be time to consider replacement — before they burst.

💧 3. High Water Pressure

Excessive water pressure can be just as dangerous as freezing. Pipes are built to handle around 40 to 60 psi. When water pressure rises above that — due to a faulty pressure valve or municipal surges — it stresses the joints and pipe walls, which can lead to bursts.

You may have high pressure if:

• You hear banging when you turn taps off (“water hammer”)

• Appliances or faucets leak randomly

• Plumbing noises are frequent

Install a pressure regulator and keep an eye on sudden changes in pressure.

🚧 4. Construction Damage or Poor Installation

Sometimes the culprit is human error. Renovations and DIY plumbing jobs can result in improperly installed or supported pipes. A weak connection or an unsecured section can eventually snap, especially under pressure or vibration.

Common issues include:

• Pipes not properly secured to walls

• Incompatible materials used

• Fittings not sealed correctly

• Pipes placed too close to exterior cold zones

Always hire licensed professionals for plumbing work — it’s cheaper than emergency restoration.

🌳 5. Tree Roots

Tree roots are surprisingly destructive. As they grow underground, they can penetrate older or cracked water pipes, especially clay or cast iron ones. Over time, roots can block or collapse your lines, leading to backups, leaks — and even burst pipes under pressure.

This is common in older Toronto neighborhoods like High Park, Riverdale, and The Annex.

If your drains are slow and the yard is soggy for no reason, have your underground pipes inspected.

🚨 Need Emergency Help Right Now?

If you’re dealing with a burst pipe, don’t wait another minute. Every second water is flowing into your property means more damage, higher repair costs, and greater risk of mold.

📞 Call 247-365 Restoration at (647) 697-8809
📍 We’re available 24/7 across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Scarborough, Vaughan, Etobicoke, and beyond.

Our trained and certified team will arrive fast, stop the leak, extract the water, and begin full restoration immediately.

🧯 6. Sudden Ground Shifts or Foundation Movement

Toronto isn’t known for earthquakes, but heavy construction, nearby digging, and even minor soil shifting can put stress on underground plumbing systems. If the ground shifts unexpectedly, rigid pipe materials can crack or snap — especially if they’re older or poorly supported.

These types of bursts are hard to detect until the damage shows up inside — water stains, soggy carpets, or even sudden drops in water pressure.

🔌 7. Water Hammer and Air Pressure Surges

If you hear a loud “bang” in your pipes when you shut off a faucet, you’re hearing a water hammer — a pressure wave that bounces through the pipe system. Over time, this surge effect can weaken pipes and joints, causing tiny fractures that eventually rupture under regular use.

Properly installed air chambers or water hammer arrestors can solve the issue and extend your plumbing’s life.

🔍 Final Thoughts:

Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Restoration

Most people don’t think about their plumbing — until it fails. But a little preventative maintenance goes a long way in avoiding thousands of dollars in water damage and stress.

Still, when a pipe does burst, the only thing that matters is how quickly and professionally you respond.

✅ Let Us Handle the Emergency — 24/7

At 247-365 Restoration, we’ve built our entire business around one promise:
We’re here when you need us — any day, any time, 365 days a year.

✅ 24/7 Emergency Plumbing
✅ Burst Pipe Repair
✅ Water Extraction & Drying
✅ Mold Prevention
✅ Direct Insurance Billing
✅ Fully Certified & Insured Crew

📞 Call Now: (647) 697-8809
🌐 www.247-365.ca

Don’t wait. We restore peace of mind — one emergency at a time.