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Do you fear that a supply pipe has burst but are not entirely confident about it?
Well, a burst pipe is indeed a critical problem as it can lead to significant damage in the long run. A burst water pipe would ultimately require you to spend a hefty amount in getting all the damages fixed and not just on your leaking pipes.
But you should also note that burst water pipes don’t occur in a day and is more gradual, rooting from various issues in the plumbing system, and they show early signs. A pipe leaking has some warning signs most people don’t notice. Being sure about the plumbing problem is essential before addressing it, ensuring you proceed the right way in dealing with burst pipes.
That’s why we thought of discussing the significant signs of a burst supply pipe to help you stay informed, and you can reach out to a licensed plumber immediately in case you’re faced with the said issue and other plumbing issues, and you can prevent serious damage or extensive damage to your property. So, let’s get going, shall we? Let’s figure out if you’ve got a busted water pipe.
If left unattended for an extended period, burst pipes may damage several house portions, such as floors and drywall. So, you should consult a reliable plumbing service immediately after you notice such an issue.
A massive water leak is the most evident sure sign of a broken pipe or burst supply pipe (which we will talk about in the later sections), especially when they’re exposed pipes. However, there are several other symptoms that you might notice before severe damage occurs.
On that note, let’s first look briefly at each of these symptoms of damaged pipes.
Perceiving odours is an easy way to detect several household plumbing problems, and this one is no exception. If water from any faucet at home produces a slight odour, it implies that there’s something wrong with the plumbing system.
Such odours can be due to a pipe leakage since the latter may make it difficult for a plumbing line to drain away sewer waste, ultimately resulting in odours and clogs.
Discolouration of water is another prevalent symptom of a leaking pipe that has already occurred or is about to happen. If you find that the water has turned brownish, it indicates rust in one or more pipes, which in turn causes the leakage or a broken pipe.
A sudden increase in water bills without increased water consumption is another symbol of a possible leakage somewhere in the plumbing system.
If there’s indeed leaking water from a point, it may result in substantial water wastage, increasing costs. You would have to bear the cost even if you’re not using that water.
Several pipes in a plumbing system may run behind the walls, so if there’s a leak in one such pipe, marks or dampness may develop on that wall. Also, pipes in multi-story homes run to the bathrooms or laundry rooms via the ceiling, meaning a leakage in such a pipe can damage it.
The moment you notice any wet marks or dampness on a wall or the ceiling, you will somewhat understand the leak’s location. This, in turn, can help determine the kind of repair needed. In such cases, a section of the drywall or ceiling may have to be removed to fix the leaking portion of the damaged pipes.
Some main water supply line pipes generally remained exposed, primarily those passing from under the sink or through the basement. These are the ones that may show signs of leaking and eventual bursting. The presence of frost, ice, or condensation on the pipes indicates that they would freeze soon or are already freezing.
Furthermore, if you notice bulges on the pipe, it’s a sign that it has frozen and is building up water due to the expansion. Such an expansion can ultimately cause a large burst. If the bursting is yet to occur, make sure you thaw the pipe to stop further damage.
If there’s a small hole in a supply pipe, the water pressure from the shower and faucets will become low. A sudden reduction in water pressure can also be the reason for clogs in toilets and sinks.
This is because the existing pressure might be insufficient for pushing the waste away through the drain. Hence, if there’s a sudden drop in the water pressure, it means there’s likely a leakage in the supply pipe.
A burst pipe can cause multiple issues in the plumbing system, including those that produce unusual noises. For instance, you may sometimes hear bubbling or whistling sounds while the faucet is running. The whistling noises are caused by leaking supply lines with dents, as water forces through the constricted and dented section. If there’s already a leak behind the wall, you might hear dripping sounds.
On the other hand, bubbling noises are heard when air enters the sewer line due to a leak.
If there’s a significant leak or one that has existed for a long time, you may notice puddles, and in extreme cases, water may gush out from that particular area. Following the water source can help you quickly trace a leak.
If the main pipe leaks, it can lead to sinkholes or puddles near the leakage area. You should immediately call a plumber if you notice such puddles and sinkholes.
Now that you know about the various signs that indicate the presence of a burst pipe, you need to know about locating the most evident sign — a leakage.
Some of the leaks can be located quite easily. For instance, the source of a puddle or drip is simple to spot, as we’ve already mentioned above. Similarly, markings and stains on drywall and ceilings are easily noticeable, leaking holes from exposed pipes.
However, it can be challenging to locate the hidden leaks behind walls. And most pipes run behind the walls. While you may notice visible signs of a leak from all the faucets, the dripping sounds or in worst cases the whistling noises, water marks and water stains, the drop in water pressure— it’s a different story when you have burst pipes that is not in plain view. For some people, they can only rely on the sudden changes in their increased water bill to tell them there’s something wrong for quite some time already in their supply lines.
When you’re suspecting a leak, the first step to take is to find out whether it’s located within your home or outside. Ensure you turn off any water appliances and stop using faucets, toilets, or other water fixtures. After this, check the reading in the water meter and note it down.
Now, wait for around 30 minutes and then recheck the reading. If it has changed, it’s a sure sign that the plumbing system is leaking somewhere. After figuring out the leak area, turn off the water supply shutoff valve and recheck the meter.
If the reading is constant, you’ll know that the leak is within the home, but the leak is outside along the main supply line if it’s moving.
Either cases of signs of a burst pipe and leaking water, reach out to a professional immediately. Especially, if the broken water pipe or the leaking area run behind the walls. Let’s prevent further damage and higher water bills. And not to forget, a puddle of dirty water can become a breeding ground for insects and cause you health problems.
If you don’t have a water meter yet, you can have one installed now. Not every water leak has standing water screaming their presence as you’ve read.
Knowing the signs to look for makes it easier to detect a burst pipe leakage before there’s any severe damage. This way, you can prevent the situation from worsening and you can call a professional immediately.
But before we sign off, here are two more pro tips. Firstly, starting the check-up with prominent spots like toilets, showers, and sinks is essential for identifying leakages. And once you have confirmed the leak, consider digging the area to locate the leaking hole precisely. You will ultimately have to contact a plumbing service to get the burst pipe fixed, but make sure you inform them about all the problems to get the right solution.
Do you have a bigger problem aside from the leaking main water line and the extensive water damage? When pipes burst, it may seem like the biggest issue there is to deal with in your plumbing system, but it’s not.
Having trouble with a leaking sewage? Or maybe you have the opposite problem and you need plumbing services for a fluctuating water pressure. Do you have brownish water coming out of your taps for your water usage or maybe you have a high unexplainable water bill? Call your professional plumbers as soon as possible at the first signs. Or reach out to us. Gold Coast Plumbing Company can provide you all the plumbing services you need, from taking care of the naturally occurring gas forming in your sewer lines to dealing with even the tiniest leak, reading the obvious signs of installation issues, and more. We’ll solve all issues leading to many more damages from happening in your properties.
That’s all for now. See you soon!
