Has your pipe suddenly burst? Here’s what you should do if you have a burst water pipe. We have also answered some common FAQs about burst pipes in our guide!
Corrosion, sudden change in temperature, improper installation or maintenance - all of these factors can result in burst pipes.
However, the cause of the burst pipe is not as important as its location. After all, you can work ahead on fixing the rupture after you correctly locate it.
On top of that, burst water pipes must be treated immediately to avoid flooding, damage to property and other plumbing issues. So, the first thing you should do is turn off the main water supply. This will prevent water from getting wasted and may also save you from a possible flooding scenario.
But, other than that, if you’re wondering how to locate a burst water pipe and take quick action accordingly, keep reading!
The overall water pressure will surely plummet if there’s a leak in your water system. You will notice this difference in the pressure in your laundry, shower, toilets, etc. So, as soon as you see a slow water flow, contact a professional plumber immediately to check the root cause of the problem.
If you notice pools or puddles of water near your plumbing fixtures, it’s undoubtedly a sign of a burst water pipe. As such, it is best to contact a professional instead of trying to fix the issue yourself.
Adding to the previous point, you may notice drips and smaller, visibly “insignificant” puddles in and around the house. This is because your plumbing system runs through the flooring and walls, so any damage in the pipes will appear on different parts of the house.
You may also notice water marks on the floor and walls, and tracing them may lead you to the source. We always suggest contacting a professional plumbing service to handle the issue.
Monthly water bills are bound to fluctuate depending on the number of people in the house, their water consumption, etc. However, there is a specific range that the monthly bills usually adhere to. So, if you notice a sudden spike in the bill, know there could be a leaking pipe in the plumbing system.
You can start by looking for other tell-tale signs of a damaged pipe or immediately call an emergency plumber.
Burst pipes or any plumbing issue in general usually causes gurgling or whistling noises within the plumbing fixtures. Hence, if noisy pipes are not letting you sleep at night, it’s high time you get in touch with a local plumber.
Damaged pipes can cause sewage and other types of wastewater to mix with the main water supply, emitting a nasty odour. Also, burst pipes caused by corrosion can cause discolouration in the water.
Both of them are major red flags in your plumbing system! Whatever the cause, you should get it checked immediately to avoid any health hazards.
You can always check for visible signs of damage on exposed plumbing lines. Doing so will help in locating water leak detection.
First, the water metre is usually placed around the back or side of the house, hidden by a manhole-type cover. Also, note that it should be near the main water supply line. After that, you can follow the steps below to record the metre reading.
Do not use any appliances that may need water, and turn off all the faucets in the house. Now, check the water metre and jot down the numbers you see.
Let the faucets remain off for an hour, and recheck the metre. If there is a change in the reading, you have a damaged or leaky pipe in the system.
You can further detect whether the burst pipe is indoors or outdoors by turning off the shut-off valve of the main supply. After that, check the water metre reading.
Wait an hour and recheck the reading for any changes. The water leak is located indoors if there is no change in the reading. However, if the reading has altered, know that the burst pipe is located outside the house.
As unusual as it may sound, hot water freezes faster than cold water. So, your hot water pipes are more prone to bursting due to temperature fluctuations.
Concerning the material, copper pipes burst quickly as they are pretty rigid. Plastic, on the other hand, is flexible, thereby resisting more pressure. However, colder temperatures can take a toll on plastic pipes too.
The first and foremost step is to stop your water from freezing. So, when the temperatures decrease, you can keep the heating system on instead of turning it off at night. You could also turn on some faucets, especially outdoors, to maintain the water flow and prevent any chances of freezing.
Besides the tips mentioned above, we recommend regular plumbing inspections to prevent recurring problems. We also suggest insulating the pipes and investing in a smart thermostat to stay alert about frozen pipes.
Lastly, we recommend claiming your home insurance in case of a leaking pipe, as most of these policies cover water damage. While it may not always be easy, you can save a lot on repairs, replacements and maintenance.
Other than that, an amateur cannot handle a burst water pipe, so it’s best to let the professionals do what they’re best at! You can count on Precision Electrical & Plumbing’s expert Melbourne plumbers to quickly and effectively fix your burst pipes.
{{author:bio}}
Find them on their website: Precision Electrical & Plumbing, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Do the lights flicker often, or the voltage keeps fluctuating in your home? These issues stem from old electrical wiring that you should change immediately. Learn more in our guide!
Read MoreHave you ever wondered how motion detection works? Well, read our guide as we detail how these nifty lighting features work their magic and how they can benefit you!
Read MoreA range hood is an essential kitchen appliance that helps keep your kitchen clean, smoke-free, and odour-free. Here's all you need to know about range hoods.
Read More
