How to Tell If a Pipe Burst

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A burst pipe can create a nightmare of a mess to clean up on any property. Along with this messy hassle, it can also slightly, moderately, or significantly damage your environment and finances.

However, despite the mess and inconvenience, you might be unsure whether this was a pipe burst or something else. Luckily, there are ways to prove what the burst was — a pipe burst or otherwise. By gaining this information, you can move on to the correct method for fixing this issue rather than being uninformed about it and attempting to resolve it the wrong way.

So, if you want to figure this out, we are here to help you! Here is information on how to tell if a pipe has burst.

Discolouration of the water

Water discolouration is one of the telltale signs that something may be amiss with your plumbing system. It is a clear indication that something is affecting the quality of your water supply. It is crucial to investigate this issue promptly with the help of a plumber.

Water in a healthy plumbing system should be clear and odourless. When you notice discoloration in your tap water, it could be due to various reasons. One of its main reasons could be a warning sign of a pipe burst. When a pipe bursts, it can cause an abrupt increase in water pressure.

This surge in pressure can stir up sediment, rust, and debris within your plumbing system, leading to water discolouration. If the burst pipe is in contact with soil, the soil’s minerals and contaminants can enter the water supply. This infiltration can cause the water to become discoloured, potentially with a brown, yellow, or black hue.

Furthermore, a burst pipe can obstruct water flow, leading to water stagnation. Stagnant water is more prone to discolouration as it gives sediments and rust particles time to settle and mix with the water.

Reduced water pressure

Another blatant sign of a pipe burst is reduced water pressure. When you turn on your faucets or shower and notice that the water flow has become weak, inconsistent, or barely a trickle, this is a strong indication of water pressure loss.

Your plumbing system relies on a steady and adequate water pressure to deliver water to your fixtures, so any significant drop is a cause for concern. A pipe burst can decrease water pressure throughout your home, affecting multiple fixtures simultaneously. If you observe diminished pressure in several areas, like sinks, showers, and toilets, a main supply line has likely experienced a burst.

When a pipe burst, water can leak into your walls, floors, and ceilings, causing structural damage and mould growth if not addressed promptly. Not only this, but a pipe burst can result in significant water wastage, leading to higher water bills. Therefore, you must act quickly, preventing further damage and financial loss.

Puddles of water below the sink

If you have found puddles of water beneath your sink, a pipe burst might have occurred. Since these pipes are responsible for carrying water to and from your sink, when compromised, they can release water into your cabinet or onto the floor.

A cause of this could be due to corrosion. Over time, pipes can corrode or deteriorate due to the constant water flow. This can weaken the pipe’s structure, making it more prone to leaks and bursts. In addition to this, high water pressure may also be a culprit.

Excessive water pressure can stress and weaken pipes, making them more likely to rupture. A third reason could be due to physical damage, of course. Accidental impacts, such as knocking against the pipes or other plumbing mishaps, can also lead to pipe bursts.

Peculiar pipe sounds

Peculiar sounds coming from the pipes could signal a pipe burst. These sounds can be a key indicator of underlying issues that require immediate attention.

If you suddenly hear a hissing sound from your plumbing, it can be a sign that a pipe has burst or is leaking. The hissing is often the sound of water escaping from a compromised pipe, which can be caused by various factors such as corrosion, excessive pressure, or physical damage.

Gurgling sounds are also common and indicate trapped air within the plumbing system. When a pipe bursts, it can allow air to enter the line, leading to gurgling sounds as water tries to flow around or past the air pocket.

Unpleasant smell

An unpleasant smell sneaking around your property might have come from a pipe burst. As mentioned above, when a pipe bursts or leaks, water often becomes trapped in spaces where it shouldn’t be.

This standing water can stagnate, leading to the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew. The byproducts of this decomposition process emit a distinct and unpleasant odour.

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