Burst Pipes

Understanding Burst Water Pipes

A burst water pipe can be a sudden, unexpected plumbing problem. Several factors can cause pipes to burst, including:

• General wear and tear: Over time, water pipes – especially older pipes – experience general wear. This makes them more likely to spring water leaks or eventually burst.
• Poor installation: Sub-standard installation can weaken the pipe walls, increasing the likelihood of leaks or complete bursts happening.
• High water pressure: Sudden, significant pressure increases or consistently high pressure can place stress on your pipes, resulting in a likely burst.
• Frozen pipes in extreme temperatures: In extreme cold weather conditions, water in exposed pipes freezes. The frozen water causes them to expand and increases the risk of burst pipes.
• Tree roots: Tree roots can break through your water pipes. They’re more likely to result in blocked pipes but that blockage may lead to an eventual burst or other further damage.

Understanding why pipes burst can be your first step in preventative maintenance or knowing when to call a plumber should things go wrong.

Common Warning Signs of Burst Pipes

Before the worst happens, your plumbing system might show some warning signs. These include:

• A sudden increase in your water bill
• Reduced water flow
• Small leaks
• An unexpected increase in the water meter reading
• The sound of water rushing within walls
• A dripping tap when all taps are off

If you discover any of these indicators in or around your home, it’s time to call a professional, experienced plumber.

The Importance of Water Pressure

Maintaining the right water pressure in your home is essential for protecting your plumbing system. The water pressure in your home should be just right – not too high or too low. Excessive water pressure can strain your water pipes, leading to leaks or bursts. On the other hand, water pressure that is too low can affect your daily activities; you’ll notice this when you flush toilets, use the shower or fill the kitchen sink.

It’s crucial to maintain normal water pressure to ensure the longevity of your pipes and prevent plumbing problems. A pressure regulator or regular plumbing inspections can help ensure your home’s water pressure remains within a safe range.

What to Do if You Suspect a Burst Pipe

First and foremost, don’t panic. Here are the steps you should take:

1. Shut off the water: Immediately turn off the main water supply or main valve to prevent further water flow.
2. Call Metropolitan Plumbing: Reach out to our friendly team for emergency plumbing services. Our licensed plumbers are equipped to handle all sorts of plumbing issues, including burst water pipes.
3. Address any water damage: If the burst pipe has created significant water damage, open doors and windows for better air circulation. Call a water damage restoration company after your plumber has resolved the immediate issue.

By taking immediate action and deciding to call a plumber, you can minimise both the potential damage to your home and disruption to your day.

Why Choose Metropolitan Plumbing for Burst Pipe Issues?

When dealing with something as critical as burst pipes, you want an experienced, reliable and proficient team on the case. Here’s why Metropolitan Plumbing stands out:

• Experienced professionals: Our licensed and fully insured plumbers have handled countless burst pipe incidents. They’re well-versed in detecting leaks, managing water pressure, and repairing damaged pipes.
• 24/7 emergency services: Burst pipes can happen at any time. Our emergency plumber services are available 24/7, every day of the year, to ensure you’re never left dealing with the mess alone. We will always aim to be at your home within 1 hour* of your call.
• No extra charges after hours: Metropolitan Plumbing provides upfront, fixed-price quotes for all burst water pipe work. We also don’t charge extra for after-hours attendance, including weekends and public holidays.
• Up-to-date techniques: Whether it’s a damaged flexi-hose, copper pipes, or issues with your hot water system, our team is trained in the latest plumbing techniques to provide the best possible repairs with lasting outcomes.
• Wide range of payment options: Choose from credit card (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx), cash, direct bank deposit and cheque. We also offer buy now, pay later finance options** to approved customers.

Metropolitan backs all work with a comprehensive 12-month workmanship warranty** for your peace of mind.

Regular Maintenance to Prevent Burst Pipes

Prevention is always better than cure. If you perform regular maintenance, you have a better chance of identifying potential weak points in your plumbing and reducing the risk factors that cause pipes to burst. This includes checking for bad installation, ensuring flexi hoses are in good condition, and monitoring for unusual changes in your water meter readings.

Finance Options** For Burst Pipe Repairs

If you’ve got a pipe that’s burst and you prefer the convenience of flexible payment plans, Metropolitan Plumbing can help.

Our finance options** are available through buy now, pay later providers Zip and HummLoan. They allow eligible customers to repay the costs over set instalments, no matter how big or small the job.

Your emergency plumber can take you through the easy application process on-site, and approval usually takes only a few minutes.

Your Partner in All Things Plumbing

At Metropolitan Plumbing, we understand that your home is your sanctuary. Whether it’s a leak from a dripping tap, problems with water flow, or issues with your hot water system, our professional plumbers are here to assist. You shouldn’t wait for burst water pipes to happen. Regular checks, understanding the warning signs, and calling a reputable plumber for routine inspections can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.

When you’re stuck with a burst pipe in the house or out in the yard, call Metropolitan Plumbing or fill out our online booking form. We are open 24/7 and can have a plumber to you within the hour* in an emergency.