We often associate burst pipes with soaked carpets, wet walls, and an area flooded within minutes. However, burst pipes are not always a sudden flooding situation. It may come as a slow leak that can cause extensive water damage to your property and belongings.
It may not look like a dramatic plumbing problem, but it can still become severe. It is essential to be on the lookout for any of these signs of a burst and leaking pipe.
Fluctuations in Water Pressure
When you have a leak in your plumbing system, you might see water pressure in your shower increase or decrease at random. The change may be intermittent or constant.
The Water Looks Off
The hidden burst pipe will begin to rust and give your water a brownish tint. If you see that your water does not look clear, run the faucet for a minute and see if it clears up.
If the water does not return to its normal clear state, you might have a leak damaging your pipes or appliances.
The Smell of Rotten Eggs
Your water may smell like rotten eggs or sulfur. The change in smell may be subtle, and you may need to use your nose to detect it. This smell is from hydrogen sulfide, a gas that forms in sewer lines.
Puddles under Your Sinks
If you have no leaks in your pipes under the sink, but you constantly have puddles there, it may be because of a burst pipe. The water may accumulate and seep through the wall causing these damp spots.
Hissing or Gurgling Water Noises from the Walls
Without a leak, you should not hear the water through your walls. The hissing and gurgling noises may come from your walls or underneath the floors. The sounds are due to the pressure released by the leak.
Hearing Sounds of the Pipes Rubbing or Banging
If your pipes are rubbing up against each other, it may indicate a significant leak that is damaging your plumbing system.
The fluctuating water pressure can create movement in your pipe systems and cause them to rub and bang against each other. Eventually, this can cause more breakage.
Higher Water Bills
If you notice that your water bill is higher than usual and you can’t account for it, you may have a burst pipe. The leak may not be noticeable, but the water waste will be. The water will continue to escape whether you need it or not.
Water Stains
If you have water stains on your walls, it could mean that water is leaking and seeping through the walls. If there is a leak, you may not see it directly, but the water stains will signify that something is wrong.
What to Do When You Have a Burst Water Pipe
If you believe that you have a burst water pipe, you should contact a professional at once. You will avoid a lot of damage if you take steps to fix the problem right away.
While waiting for help, you should shut off the main water supply. This can be done by turning off the water supply valves.
Next, find the leak. Look for the water stain or the smell of rotten eggs. Once you find it, you can take photos of the damage to help you when you’re filing for the insurance claim.
If you can’t find it yourself, you can get leak detection services so you can hand it off to the professionals.
Conclusion
Burst pipes can cause extensive water damage to your home. Be sure to watch for the signs and take immediate action if you notice the leak.
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