Burst Pipes – What To Do When You Have One

If there is one plumbing problem you never want to encounter, burst pipes or blocked pipes are almost always at or near the top of the list.

They are messy to clean up and expensive to deal with (both to repair and when the subsequent water bill arrives). All in all, they’re just an all-round general inconvenience.

But whether it’s under the kitchen sink, the bathroom or in the backyard, burst pipes need fixing ASAP. Understanding why pipes burst, and what to do when it happens, is crucial. So whether you’re faced with burst sewer pipes or a blocked drain, Metropolitan Plumbing is here to help.

How Do You Know If You Have a Burst Pipe? 

Aside from an obvious gushing of water, how else can you tell if you have a water leak or burst pipes on your property? As it happens, many potential warning signs could indicate you’re in desperate need of a plumber. Those tell-tale signs include:

• Intermittent changes to water pressure in your home
• Discoloured or smelly water
• Strange dripping sounds in the walls of your home
• Increased moisture content leads to the growth of mould in the house
• Unexplained water marks forming on the ceiling or walls
• Water bills suddenly skyrocket without any obvious reason why

You might also find patches in your front or backyard where the lawn or particular plants are growing better in affected areas than in other areas. This can often be because a leak or burst pipe has increased the moisture level in that area.

The Damage That A Burst Pipe Can Cause

Burst pipes in or around your home pose a serious risk, leading to possible structural damage and costly repairs. When pipes burst, they can swiftly flood your home, damaging floors, walls, and essential property. The sudden water leak can also compromise structural integrity, especially if the water seeps into wall cavities or under floorboards.

In addition to the immediate damage, burst pipes can cause long-term issues like mould growth, which affects indoor air quality. It’s crucial to have an emergency plumber address burst pipes promptly to mitigate water damage and restore your home’s safety and functionality. Regular inspections by a licensed plumber can prevent such plumbing problems.

Why Do Burst Water Pipes Occur?  

Burst pipes can occur for a variety of reasons. Some causes can be more frequent in certain regions than others, while some are due to misuse and human error. Among the most common burst water pipe causes are:

Pipe Blockages

In Australia, pipe blockages are a leading cause of burst water pipes. Foreign objects, such as toys or household items, can accidentally enter the drainage system. Additionally, build-ups of common substances like soap, grease, and hair can significantly hinder water flow. This restriction can stop water movement entirely, leading to increased pressure within the pipes. The heightened pressure forces the pipe walls to expand beyond their capacity, resulting in a burst. Regular checks and maintenance can prevent such blockages, ensuring smooth water flow and reducing the risk of a burst pipe.

Poor Installation

The quality of installation plays a crucial role in the longevity and reliability of your water pipes. Substandard workmanship can lead to weak points in the pipe structure, making them prone to bursting. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to employ a licensed plumber with a strong track record. These professionals ensure that the installation meets industry standards, reducing the likelihood of plumbing problems and the need for major repairs in the future.

Freezing

Although less common in Australia compared to colder regions, freezing is a significant cause of burst water pipes. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, increasing internal pressure. This phenomenon can occur in both cold and hot water pipes. The expansion puts immense strain on the pipe walls, causing them to eventually burst. To prevent this, it’s important to keep your home and pipes adequately insulated, especially during cold weather months.

Age of the Pipes

Over time, water pipes can suffer from general wear and tear. Older pipes, in particular, are more vulnerable to corrosion and erosion, weakening their structural integrity. This degradation reduces the pipe’s ability to withstand pressure changes, making it more likely to burst. These days, homes get built with PVC or copper pipes installed, both of which are typically more corrosion-resistant. Regular inspections by a professional plumber can identify aging pipes and replace them before they cause significant water damage.

Excessive Water Pressure

High water pressure is a less-known but critical cause of burst pipes. Australian residential properties should maintain a water pressure below the maximum limit of 500 kilopascals (KPa). Exceeding this limit puts undue stress on the pipe walls, leading to potential bursts. Homeowners can monitor their water pressure using a water meter and consult with a local plumber if adjustments are needed. Regular monitoring can prevent sudden increases in pressure and the associated risk of burst pipes.

Tree Roots

If you have any trees in your front or back yard, and let’s face it most of us do, their roots will naturally gravitate towards the nearest source of moisture they can find. More often than not, that is the water supply in the plumbing pipes buried deep underground. These tree roots will find any way to penetrate the pipes, and will particularly take advantage of any weaknesses they can detect to break through. As the roots continue to grow within the pipe, their strength increases and they cause a blockage that restricts water flow. Once again, the pressure builds and the pipe bursts as a way to release that pressure.

Other factors, such as subsidence, hard water and movement in the pipes, can also result in your water supply pipes breaking and bursting. So what should you do if or when it happens?

What To Do When Pipes Burst On Your Property

Burst pipes can cause numerous problems, so it’s important to know what to do if you encounter one.

First and foremost, what you will want to do is turn off your water at the mains. This will stop any further water from travelling through your pipes, water that you would end up paying for and could potentially cause further mess or more serious damage to your home. Be sure to flush toilets and leave the taps in your home running, though; this will allow any remaining water in your plumbing system to drain out. Does your house have any exposed pipes? Give them access to warm air by leaving doors open.

Once you have shut off the water, you can use a repair sleeve or a clamp as a temporary repair measure. Both are available from any hardware store. Of course, this is a short-term option at best; for a more comprehensive solution, you will need a licensed plumber.

Call An Emergency Plumber ASAP

An emergency plumber can offer a range of options to address any burst pipes on your property. If the pipe is still salvageable, they may look at relining the existing pipe. This process effectively creates a brand new, impenetrable lining within the inside of the pipe and can last for decades.

However, if the damaged pipe is beyond repair, replacement might be the only option. Consult with a trusted and qualified plumbing professional to have your burst water pipe problem fixed as soon as possible.

Please note: This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.