Burst Pipe Symptoms To Watch Out For
You may think a burst water pipe will be pretty easy to identify, but the reality is that most burst pipes only leak a small amount of water over a long period of time, making them difficult to spot.
So if this is the case, how do you know if you have a burst water pipe in your home? In this blog, we are going to look at 7 burst pipe symptoms to watch out for. If you notice any of these in your home, don’t delay – call a plumber right away.
7 signs you have a burst water pipe
1. Discoloured water
Discoloured water coming out of the tap is one of the most common signs of a burst water pipe. Discoloured water is caused by dirt entering the pipes through holes located under the ground. These can be caused by tree roots, corrosion or damage by building contractors. Whatever the cause, this needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Don’t drink or bathe in discoloured water and call an emergency plumber as soon as possible.
2. Fluctuating water pressure
Fluctuating water pressure could indicate a burst pipe inside your home. Fluctuating water pressure is caused by air trapped in the pipe. This acts as a valve restricting the flow of water. Once the air escapes, usually out of the tap, the water can run freely again. So if you notice fluctuating water pressure, it’s a sure sign of leaking pipes.
3. Damp spots on the walls
Damp spots forming on internal walls could indicate a leaking or burst water pipe behind them. Water pipes operate under pressure, so any leak, even a small one, will cause water to spray against the wall. Over time, this causes the wall to become damp from the inside. So, if you have damp spots forming where you didn’t before, get them checked out.
4. Mould growth
Grease is a big issue for our drains. Any oil or fat that is washed down the sink will stay to coat the pipes and this will build up over time to cause a serious blockage.
Minor blockages can be cleared by using a solution of hot water and vinegar. Mix up a 50/50 solution and pour it down your drain. Allow it to sit for around 15 minutes then flush with more hot water. The acid and heat dissolve the fat so it can flow freely.
As ever prevention is better than cure with this one. The less oil that goes into your pipes, the less chance there is of build-up and blockage. Dispose of grease and oil by allowing it to solidify in a jar or tub and putting it in your food waste collection bin.
5. Standing water under the sink
Water pipes leak either because of poorly fitted joints, corrosion or blockages. The area under the sink is particularly vulnerable to leaks because it contains lots of joints, and sinks often become blocked with food waste. So if you notice water pooling under the sink, it could point to a leaking sink trap or u-bend.
6. Unexplained increase in water usage
Have you noticed your water bill is increasing but you are not using any more water than usual? This could be because water is leaking away unnoticed, so get your system checked by a professional plumber. This will help to identify problems early before they become costly to repair.
7. Dripping noises coming through the wall
A dripping noise coming through the wall is the least common sign of a burst water pipe, but it is one of the most critical, so it shouldn’t be ignored. The dripping sound could be intermittent because pipes only leak when under pressure, so if it stops, don’t assume it has gone away. Call a plumber and get it checked out as soon as possible.
Do you have a burst water pipe?
Do you have any of the above symptoms in your home? Don’t leave it too long as burst water pipes only get worse with time, so the longer you leave it, the more damage will be done.
Nightcliff Plumbing & Gas deploys the latest leak detection techniques to identify the cause and location of leaks quickly. Once a leak is identified, we’ll get to work fixing the problem, limiting any further damage to your property.
If you suspect you have a water leak, give us a call now on (08) 8985 5200 or complete the form here to arrange an appointment.
