Burst Water Pipe? Here’s What To Do

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.

So, in this blog, we will discuss the steps you need to take to handle a burst pipe, including how to turn off the water supply and when to call a professional plumber.

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 damaged pipes that may lead to bursts under normal water pressure.

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.
• Ageing pipes: Older pipes made from materials such as galvanised steel or cast iron are especially at risk due to corrosion and rust, threatening the structural integrity of the pipes and increasing the risk of bursting.
• 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:

In such situations, we highly recommend that you contact emergency plumbing services to handle burst pipes efficiently and ensure professional help is available around the clock.

Until then, however, there are a few interim steps you can take until the plumber arrives.

1. Turn off the water supply

Locate the main water valve and turn it off to stop further water damage. Identifying the source of the leak is really important if you want to prevent extensive damage and costly repairs.

2. Drain the remaining water

After shutting off your main water supply, it’s important to turn on all taps in your home, especially those connected to the burst pipe. This helps release any water still sitting in the pipes, which reduces pressure and prevents further leakage or damage. Letting the trapped water drain out also helps minimise the risk of water backing up into your walls, ceilings, or flooring, making it easier to clean up and assess the damage safely.

3. Locate the leak or burst pipe

Once the water supply is off, the next step is to find exactly where the damage has occurred. If it’s not immediately obvious, carefully inspect visible pipes for signs of leaking, bulging, or damp patches. Look under sinks, behind appliances, and along any exposed piping. Identifying the source of the leak is essential, and it helps you determine whether it’s something you can temporarily patch or if you’ll need professional repairs or a full replacement. The sooner you pinpoint the issue, the quicker you can prevent further water damage.

4. Clean up the affected area

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

5. Call Canberra Plumbing & Drains

Call our crew to tend to your burst water pipes before further damage occurs. Repairing burst water mains is complex and requires a professional plumber to ensure proper handling and avoid further plumbing issues.

Ways to Prevent Further Damage & 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 pipes: 

• 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 water pressure 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. Proper gutter maintenance also plays a critical role in protecting your home from severe water damage. Remember, if you suspect a problem with your plumbing, it’s best to call a plumber for an inspection and any necessary repairs.

How do I Detect a Water Leak When We are Using a Lot of Water?

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 number 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.

• Cleaning: Cleaning your cars or boats, as well as high-pressure cleaning around your home, uses more water and quickly adds up without you realising it.

Think you might have a leak, but not 100% sure? Check out our blog post on how to check your water meter for leaks!

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 flowing 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, a buildup of moss or mildew on pavers or brickwork, 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 in 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.

Identifying the source of leaks early can prevent extensive damage and repair costs, so seeking professional help is crucial.

Need Urgent Repairs for Burst Pipes?

When a pipe bursts, acting fast can make all the difference. Getting in touch with a trusted emergency plumber right away helps prevent serious water damage, reduces the risk of flooding, and can even protect your health by avoiding issues caused by stagnant water.

That’s why it’s a good idea to keep the contact details of emergency services, ike plumbers, somewhere easy to access, so help is only a phone call away when you need it most.

At our core, we’re here to support you when it matters most. We’re committed to delivering fast, reliable plumbing services, especially in emergencies. If your pipe bursts, our team will work quickly and efficiently to fix the issue and get your water supply back up and running with as little disruption as possible.

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. Identifying the source of leaks early and seeking professional help is crucial to prevent extensive damage and repair costs.

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 found leaks, such as a leaking toilet, 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!