6 Warning Signs of Burst Pipes

Not all damaged pipes cause raging floods like those portrayed in the movies. In reality, a plumbing pipe burst often results in a slow leak, a puddle of water here and there, and unusually high water bills.

While this plumbing issue isn’t always dramatic, it can lead to far serious problems that are more expensive to address. This stresses the importance of maintaining your plumbing system and fixing issues immediately as they happen. Stay alert for any signs of burst pipes. Discover in this article the ones you should keep an eye out on.

1. Fluctuating Water Pressure

When there’s low-water pressure and you know that there’s no problem with your supply, it may be a busted pipe somewhere in your property. Disturbances in your plumbing system, such as burst pipes or clogged drains may reduce the water pressure that reaches your home.

2. Rusty Water

Over time, the pipes underground start to rust. Even damaged PVC and other synthetic materials throw off microscopic particles that give water a cloudy appearance. Aside from the dirty water, these pipes would eventually crack open, allowing bacteria and other pathogens to breed in your water supply.

3. Smell of Rotten Eggs

Another sign of a plumbing pipe burst is an unpleasant odour. In some cases, the smell is similar to that of rotten egg and that is actually hydrogen sulphide—a naturally-occurring gas that forms in the sewage systems. It could also be a sign that your pipes are blocked or backed up and the wastewater is not being channelled properly away from your property.

4. Puddles of Water Under the Sink & Other Damp Spots

You’ve done all you can to wipe leaks under the sink and other damp spots that are not supposed to be wet in the first place, but they just keep coming back. Don’t take this unnecessary moisture lightly as they can promote mould or mildew growth in your home, thus creating another health risk. Call a licensed plumber to inspect for burst pipes that allow water to seep in these unusual places.

5. High Water Bills

Slow drips from taps can waste more than 9,000 litres of water every year. So, imagine how much more water can leaky pipes waste? Unfortunately, the clean water that goes straight into the drains add up to your water bills and may explain the alarming spike in your monthly water bill.

6. Rumbling Sound Near the Water Main

The only time you should hear the sound of flowing water is when someone at home is running a faucet or flushing the toilet. Otherwise, when you hear a rumbling sound and no one is running the water, that’s bad news. Water could be incessantly flowing through a damaged pipe.

What Should You Do In the Case of Plumbing Pipe Burst?

Locating a burst pipe can be a challenge, particularly when the pipe in question is underground. The safest thing you can do is call a licensed plumber who has the knowledge and tools to inspect your plumbing system and pinpoint the problem.

There are many potential reasons to burst pipes—corrosion, pressure from tree roots, shifting soil, blockage, sediment buildup, etc.—and your best protection against dealing with it is to have your plumbing system inspected at least once every 2 years.

A licensed plumber is capable of detecting any issue and providing recommendations to keep them from causing further damage in the future. For example, if your pipes are starting to rust due to age, they may suggest replacement before they completely break down and burst. Hiring a trusted plumbing contractor can also save you time and money as they can provide you with cost-effective solutions, such as pipe relining, sewer relining, and CCTV pipe inspections.

Contact a local plumber that you can trust today!

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