Small Earthquakes Can Weaken Pipes and Lead to Water Damage in Tierrasanta?

12/3/2024 (Permalink)

We are water damage restoration leaders in San Diego.

Our local Mission Valley East team restore water damage in Tierrasanta homes every year. According to the City of San Diego website, about 35 earthquakes are reported every day.  Although most of these earthquakes do not cause significant damage, plumbing pipes can be compromised by the movement in the ground.

Even small earthquakes can cause significant damage to a home's plumbing system, particularly by weakening solder joints that hold pipes together. The shaking can cause pipes to rattle and shift when an earthquake occurs, creating stress on their joints. Solder joints connecting copper pipes are especially vulnerable to this movement.

While they are designed to be strong, seismic activity's continuous vibration and pressure can weaken the bond over time. This may not result in an immediate leak, but over weeks or months, the joint can loosen, leading to slow water leakage.

Once a solder joint fails, water can escape from the pipe, potentially causing hidden water damage. If left unnoticed, the leak can deteriorate drywall, flooring, and even structural elements of the home. Homeowners in earthquake-prone areas should regularly inspect their pipes for signs of damage and consider reinforcing their plumbing systems to withstand seismic activity.

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When your home or business in Tierrasanta has water damage, our Mission Valley East team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 619-303-3599.

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