A pipe burst can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Suddenly, water is gushing out of the wall, causing extensive damage to your property and all your belongings. Along with the immediate mess, plumbing problems like this can lead to long-term damage if not promptly addressed. 

It’s critical to know what to do when water flows where it shouldn’t to minimise the damage and get the repairs done quickly. 

In this blog, we will discuss the steps you need to take to handle a burst pipe, from turning off the water supply to calling a professional plumber. By following these guidelines, you can protect the pipes at your home or business and have them repaired as soon as possible.

Are You Experiencing a Change in Water Pressure?

You may experience a change in water pressure in various ways, such as a sudden drop or increase in the water flow from taps, showerheads, or other plumbing fixtures. These changes can occur because of a water leak in the supply line, a malfunction in the water pump, or a burst pipe.

A sudden shift in excessive water pressure can cause damage to plumbing fixtures and pipes. We recommend checking the water pump, inspecting the water supply line for leaks, and, if necessary, calling a professional plumber for assistance if your pipe bursts.

Signs Your Water Pipe May Burst

Aside from a change in the pressure from your water pipe, if your plumbing is not properly maintained, it can burst and cause severe water damage to your property. 

Here are some signs that your water pipes may burst:

  • Strange noises: If you hear loud banging, whistling, or rattling noises coming from your pipes, it could indicate high pressure within them, which can lead to bursting.
  • Visible signs of corrosion: Corroded pipes can become weaker and more prone to bursting, so it’s essential to watch for visible signs such as discolouration, rust, and leaks.
  • Age of the pipes: If your pipes are older, they are more likely to burst. The average lifespan of water pipes is around 50 years, so if the construction of your home or building was more than 50 years ago, it might be time to replace your plumbing.
  • Fluctuations in temperature: Extreme temperature fluctuations, such as those that occur during winter, can cause water pipes to expand and contract because the water freezes, leading to stress and bursting.
  • Leaks: Any water leak, no matter how small, can indicate a potentially serious problem. Leaking water can weaken the surrounding area of the pipe and increase the risk of bursting.
  • Poor installation: Bad installation of pipes, such as using the wrong type of water pipes for the application, can lead to weak spots that are more likely to burst.
  • Improper usage: Abusing pipes by using them for purposes for which they were not designed, such as flushing inappropriate items down the toilet, can cause a burst water main.
  • Ground movement: Soil movement, such as during earthquakes, can put stress on pipes and cause them to burst.

If you notice any of these signs, you must take immediate action. Have your plumbing inspected by a licensed plumber from Canberra Plumbing & Drains to prevent your pipes from experiencing damage and make any necessary repairs or replacements as needed. Ignoring these warning signs could result in costly water damage to your property.

5 Easy Steps to Handle a Burst Pipe

When a pipe bursts inside your home or on your property, the quicker you act, the less damage your property will face. The following five steps will help you manage the issue at hand:

Turn off the water supply

Locate the main water valve and turn it off to stop further water damage.

Drain the remaining water: 

Turn on your taps and allow the trapped water to drain out.

Locate the leak or burst pipe

 If you’re unsure where the issue originated, examine the pipes until you find the area in need of repair or replacement.

Call Canberra Plumbing & Drains

Call our crew to tend to your burst water pipes before further damage occurs.

Clean up the affected area

Soak up as much excess water as possible to prevent further damage to your house.

Ways to Prevent Further Damaged & Burst Water Pipes

Preventing plumbing damage and, consequently, burst water pipes is essential to maintain the integrity of your plumbing system and avoid costly water damage to your property. 

Here are some ways to prevent damaged pipe: 

  • Insulate pipes: Insulating all the pipes on your property, particularly those located in unheated areas such as attics and basements, can help prevent damage due to temperature fluctuations.
  • Monitor high water pressure: Maintaining proper pressure of water coming into your home or business is crucial in preventing a burst water pipe. You can install a water pressure gauge to monitor the pressure; if it’s too high, your emergency plumber can adjust it.
  • Fix leaks promptly: Fix leaks promptly, no matter how small. A temporary fix isn’t ideal because the leak can weaken the surrounding area and increase the risk of bursting.
  • Replace old pipes: If your house or business has old pipes showing signs of corrosion or wear and tear, you must replace them to prevent bursting. 
  • Avoid using chemical drain cleaners: Chemical drain cleaners can be harsh on your drains and cause corrosion, compromising the integrity of your plumbing. Instead, use natural, non-toxic solutions to clear clogs.
  • Professional maintenance: Regular maintenance by a plumber can help identify and address any potential issues with your pipes before they become serious problems. 

Following these steps can reduce the risk of bursting pipes and avoid costly water damage to your property. Remember, if you suspect a problem with your plumbing, it’s best to call a plumber for an inspection and any necessary repairs.

Need Urgent Repairs for Pipes Burst?

Quick action by a reputable plumber is essential when your plumbing system isn’t working as it should due to burst water pipes. By contacting an emergency plumber, you can avoid further water damage to your house or property, reduce flooding and avoid potential health hazards, such as gut issues from stagnant water.

We are committed to providing our customers with exceptional plumbing services in a timely manner, especially when your pipe bursts. We aim to complete the repair as quickly and efficiently as possible to get your water supply to function correctly.

We Fix Burst Water Pipes & Other Plumbing Concerns

We are a professional plumbing service that delivers professional help for many plumbing issues ranging from reduced water flow, to water dripping and blocked pipes, to tree roots causing a pipe burst. We understand that burst pipes can cause significant damage to your property and can disrupt your daily routine.

Our plumbers use state-of-the-art tools and techniques to quickly identify and repair burst pipes, including CCTV to determine the extent of the damage and, in some circumstances, a pipe cutter. We offer replacement services if it’s too damaged to undertake repair work.

If you require plumbing or drain services in the Canberra area, consider contacting our crew for your plumbing needs. We will assist you with various plumbing-related issues, such as leaky cold and hot water taps, a dripping tap, clogged drains, hot water system maintenance and broken pipes. 

Give us a call at (02) 6288 9929, and we will be right out to your home.

Have you noticed that your water usage is higher than normal? Maybe you have received a water bill that was higher than what you were expecting? If you have, there may be a few reasons as to why.

  • Seasonal variations:We tend to use more water, on average, during Spring and Summer as we usually do more activities that use water. This can include watering the garden, topping up the pool, having more showers, and using an evaporative cooler.
  • Larger amount of people at your home: Having a larger number of people in your home is a sure way to use more water – especially if you have guests staying for a while. Having more people in your home will lead to more showers, more toilet flushing, and more general use of water throughout your home.
  • Hidden leaks:Did you know some leaks can waste more than 2000 litres of water? Regularly checking for leaks around your home – and getting them fixed as soon as you notice them – can help to reduce your water consumption. Think you might have a leak but not 100% sure? Check out our blog post on how to check your water meter for leaks!
  • Cleaning: Cleaning your cars or boats, as well as high-pressure cleaning around your home, uses more water and quickly add up without you realising it. 

How do I Detect a Water Leak When We Are Already Using So Much Water?

There are several ways to detect a water leak in and around your home when your water consumption is already up.

  • Check your water meter for moving dials or numbers ticking over at a fast rate (when you know no water is being used).
  • Listen out for the sound of water flow internally and externally. The sound you may hear is a hissing, water flow noise. The easiest way to hear it is to put your ear up to fixtures or walls as if you are trying to listen to a shell.
  • Check for any obvious differences around your home. This includes wet or damp patches, build up of moss or mildew on pavers or brick work, and greener grass patches.
  • If your stormwater charges into a curb outlet, check to see if it is constantly running or wet.
  • Look for dripping gutters. If you have an evaporative cooler or a solar hot water system, it may be leaking and will show on the gutters.
  • Shine a torch down your drains to see if there is any water flow when you aren’t using the water.

If you are worried that you have a leak but are unable to detect it, call an experienced plumber to come and inspect your house. An experienced professional will have leak locating equipment on board to detect the location of any leaks and will be able to provide you with the most suitable solution to repair the leak.

Have you found leaks in your home that require urgent attention? Canberra Plumbing and Drains is here to help! Give our friendly team a call on 0474 488 899 to book your appointment with one of our highly skilled technicians today!