The hot and cold copper supply lines to our laundry sink both ruptured at the same time. Though we have had colder than normal temps these lines are interior and would not be exposed to freezing temps. The lines are over 20 years old and we have very hard water. They are "teed" from the supply lines to our washer. Before I repair the lines I would like to have some idea as to what would have caused the failures. Should I just consider it old age/ corrosion or could it be a system problem related to higher than normal water pressure. We have a pressure regulator on the main supply line. Would you expect a problem with it? It was replaced approximately 10 years ago. Thanks for your help.

What type of piping you have, is copper or something else?

Age is not the issue, high pressure and corrosion is possibility,please tell us more, is the line ruptured or it is leaking from the connections.

The first thing I would recommend check the lines for corrosion and check your water pressure, typical residential systems is designed to function best under a pressure of 40 - 60 psi
See the image, Thanks.

John

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We have a pressure regulator on the main supply line. Would you expect a problem with it? It was replaced approximately 10 years ago.

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As soon as I read this I thought, " Uh-Uh! This guy's put his finger directly on the problem."
I know of only two reasons pipes burst.
1) if they freeze and burst **or**
2) If too much pressure burst them.
Take your pick!
I would follow Johns advice and let us know what house ptressure you have. Good luck and thank you for rating my answer. Tom

Thanks for the replies. The pipes are half inch copper and over 20 years old. There were no visible signs of corrosion. Both pipes have linear ruptures about one inch long and are almost the identical distance from the tees where they connect to the washer supply lines. I checked my water pressure today and found it to be 45psi at all three hose bibs. We have one close to where the main enters the house in the front, one almost directly across in the back and the one closest to where the ruptures occurred and the farthest away. Being a former insurance underwriter there has to be a reason why something happens. This one is annoying me. I can certainly replace and repair the lines however I would sure like to know why it happened. Thanks for your help.
Lead Miner

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I would sure like to know why it happened.

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Outside of just plain rotten pipes I know of only two reasons pipes burst.
1) if they freeze and burst **or**
2) If too much pressure burst them.
If any other experts know of any other reason that two side by side copper pipes will have linear ruptures about one inch long and are almost the identical distance from the tees where they connect to the washer supply lines you can chime in anytime now. Cheers and giggles, Tom