7 Signs of a Burst Pipe

Unlike a dripping tap, a burst pipe can cause significant damage to your home in a short amount of time. Water can seep into walls, floors, and ceilings, leading to mould growth, structural issues, and expensive repairs.

By being proactive and recognising the tell tale signs of a burst pipe, you can take steps to address the problem before it turns into a major plumbing disaster. We’ve created this guide to equip you with the knowledge to identify these signs so you can act quickly and minimise the damage to your home.

What is a Burst Pipe & Why Do Pipes Burst?

A burst pipe is a plumbing emergency that occurs when a pipe ruptures or breaks open, creating a large opening that allows water to escape rapidly. Unlike a leak, which might involve a slow drip or trickle, when a water pipe breaks, it releases a significant amount of water in a short period, potentially causing severe damage to your home.

Burst pipes can happen anywhere in your plumbing system, from behind walls and under floors to exposed areas like washing machine hookups or underneath sinks. While we'll explore the reasons why pipes burst in more detail later, it's important to understand the immediate consequences.

The rapid escape of water from a burst pipe can lead to significant problems, including:

• Extensive water damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and belongings
• Mould growth due to damp environments
• Structural damage if water weakens building materials
• Increased water bills due to wasted water
• The need for costly repairs and replacements

Because a burst pipe can wreak havoc on your home, being familiar with the warning signs is crucial. This will allow you to take quick action and minimise the damage.

How Do I Know If I Have A Burst Pipe?

While some burst pipes will quickly become a dramatic and obvious problem, sometimes they can lurk out of sight and be more insidious. Here are the major ways to identify a burst pipe on your property:

1. Change In Water Pressure

If you turn on multiple faucets in your home and notice a significant decrease in water pressure from all of them, it's a strong sign that there's a major leak or a burst pipe somewhere in your main water line.

A healthy plumbing system should deliver consistent water pressure throughout your house. If the pressure seems weak and inadequate, especially when multiple taps are running at the same time, it's crucial to investigate further to identify the source of the problem.

2. Water Marks On Walls, Ceilings Or Floors

Unexplained water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors can be a telltale sign of a hidden burst pipe. Look for warping, bubbling, or discoloration of paint or wallpaper.

Water damage can also manifest as cracks in drywall, peeling paint, or buckling floorboards. If you suspect a leak in your walls or ceiling, you might also notice a faint musty odour or feel a dampness when touching the affected area.

3. Unusual Sounds In The Pipes Or Walls

Even with all the taps turned off in your house, if you hear unusual noises such as dripping sounds or the constant sound of running water, it could be a sign of a burst pipe. The specific sound can vary depending on the size and location of the burst, but some common noises to listen for include:

Hissing: This high-pitched sound can occur when a small amount of water is escaping under high pressure from a tiny crack in a pipe.

Whooshing: This rushing sound is more noticeable with a larger burst pipe and indicates a significant amount of water escaping quickly.

Clanking or banging: These sounds can sometimes occur when the force of the escaping water disrupts pipes or other plumbing components within the walls.

4. Water Is Discoloured And Smelly

If your tap water suddenly turns brown, rusty, orange, cloudy, or discoloured in any way, accompanied by an unusual metallic, earthy, or sewage-like smell, it could be a sign of a burst pipe.

The discoloration can be a result of rust or sediment buildup released into the water flow when a pipe bursts. For instance, brown or rusty water suggests corrosion of iron pipes, while orange or cloudy water might indicate the presence of manganese or other minerals.

Additionally, standing water from a hidden leak can develop a foul smell due to bacteria or mould growth, which may affect the smell of your water. For example, a strong sewage-like smell can sometimes indicate that a drain pipe has burst, while a musty odour might suggest mould growth within the walls due to a leak.

5. Sudden Increase In Water Bills

One of the most telling signs of a leak or burst pipe can be a significant increase in your water bill, even if your water usage habits haven't changed. This is because a burst pipe can release a large amount of water continuously, even when you're not actively using any water in your home. By comparing your current water bill to past bills, you can identify any unusual spikes that might indicate a hidden water leak.

6. Presence Of Mould

Mould and mildew are fungi that thrive in damp environments, and their presence can indicate a hidden leak or burst pipe.

Mould spores are always present in the air, but they only germinate and form colonies when they find a suitable environment with moisture and a food source. Since mould feeds on organic materials, walls, floors, and ceilings that are constantly damp due to a leak provide the perfect breeding ground for mould growth.

If you notice mould or mildew growth in areas that don't seem to have any obvious source of moisture, such as behind cabinets, under sinks, or in attics, it's a strong indication that there could be a leak behind the walls or in the ceiling. Additionally, mould can sometimes grow on furniture or stored belongings in basements or crawl spaces if those areas are damp due to a burst water pipe.

7. Puddles Or Wet Spots In Your Garden

Unexplained patches of dampness on your basement floor, or persistently soggy areas in your yard that don't seem to dry out even during extended periods without rain, could point to leaking or burst pipes nearby.

Burst pipes can occur underground, and the water may take some time to surface, depending on the soil composition and the location of the break. Similarly, if you notice that a particular patch of grass in your yard is flourishing while the rest of your lawn appears dry, it could be a sign that a pipe is leaking underground and providing extra moisture to that area.

What to Do If You Suspect a Burst Pipe?

If you suspect a burst pipe, shut off your main water supply immediately to prevent further damage.

Contact a professional plumber to pinpoint the issue and perform any necessary repairs.

Burst Pipe Repairs or Replacement

If you suspect you may have a pipe leak or a burst pipe, contact our plumbers on 0403 355 550 or complete our online enquiry form.