Outdated plumbing, poor installation, and unlicensed service can create significant fire hazards in homes and buildings. Over time, plumbing systems – especially those involving outdated electrical wiring or faulty gas lines – can deteriorate, leading to dangerous situations.
- May 2013 – a hole in a gas pipe left by an unlicensed plumber caused an explosion that blew a mansion in the English countryside off its foundation. One of the owners suffered severe burns to their hands, arms, and scalp.1
- May 2015 – a fire at an El Paso, TX apartment building was accidentally started by a plumber soldering, causing an estimated $250,000 in damage.2 Three months later another soldering mishap, this time at a residential home also in El Paso, caused $20,000 in fire damage.3
- February 2024 – Firefighting crews in Yarmouth, MA discovered that the plumbing pipes, fixtures, and kitchen sink at a two-story residence had been electrified.4
- October 2024 – a plumber in Baton Rouge, LA who was sweating copper pipes triggered a fire in an adjacent section of the house where he had been working earlier that day.5
Contractors who cut corners, use subpar materials, or lack the necessary expertise to comply with safety standards, put everyone in the vicinity at risk.
Main Causes of Plumbing-Related Fires
Soldering/Sweating
The process involves using a heated soldering iron or torch to join copper pipes together. If proper precautions aren’t taken, the intense heat from the flame or the tool can ignite nearby combustible materials, such as wood, insulation, or even drywall.
Another hazard is the accumulation of flammable gas or vapors in the area, particularly if there is a leak in a nearby gas line or if a flammable liquid is present.
Hidden Leaks
When water leaks from pipes behind walls or ceilings, it can come into contact with exposed electrical wiring. Over time, moisture can corrode wiring, cause shorts, or lead to arcing—each of which can ignite a spark.
A hidden leak that goes undetected can lead to persistent water damage, increasing the likelihood of an electrical fault that could ultimately start a fire.
Frozen Pipes
When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, which can lead to the pipes bursting. A burst pipe can lead to flooding, water damage, and potentially compromise electrical systems, especially if it affects wires or outlets.
Frozen pipes can also cause problems in homes with heating systems that rely on water, such as boilers or radiant floor heating. If the water in these systems freezes, it can cause the system to malfunction.
Protection and Prevention of Plumbing Fires
Hiring a licensed professional plumber is one of the most important steps you can take to safeguard your home from fire hazards. By investing in a qualified plumber, you’re taking a proactive step to protect your home, family, and property from the devastating potential of a fire caused by poor plumbing work.
You can additionally take the following steps to safeguard your home:
- Regularly check for leaks.
- Properly insulate exposed pipes (especially in colder climates).
- Repair and replace outdated pipes to lessen impurities in tap water.
- Get routine professional plumbing inspections.
- Close the main water valve during extended absences.
- Ensure electrical wiring near plumbing is undamaged and in good condition.
- Tap water can conduct electricity if it contains impurities, such as minerals or salts.
- If you think there might be a leak near any electrical components, shut off the water and contact a professional right away.
Citations
3 https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/east-el-paso-house-fire-caused-by-plumbing-work#.Vd6EI5fRaAg
5 http://www1.wbrz.com/news/plumbing-work-triggers-fire-at-home-off-jefferson-highway-no-one-injured/
4 https://www.capecod.com/cape-wide-news/fire-breaks-out-in-residence-in-yarmouth/
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