The average home can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water each year due to leaks. About ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more every day. That’s a ton of water and cash down the drain.
But it’s not just about the money. Hidden leaks can lead to structural damage, mold, and costly repairs. Spotting the signs early can make all the difference between a minor inconvenience and a full-blown disaster. Let’s look at how to spot a burst pipe in your home.
Key Takeaways
- Unexplained increases in your water bill may point to hidden leaks.
- Lower water pressure often hints at escaping water.
- Strange smells or dirty water can indicate pipe corrosion or damage.
- Soggy spots in your yard? That might be more than just poor drainage.
Understanding Burst Pipes
A burst pipe isn’t just an annoying drip-drip situation. When a pipe bursts, it means water is escaping through a crack or hole in your plumbing system.
Common causes include old or corroded pipes, extreme temperatures, high water pressure, or shifting ground. Pipes made of copper, PVC, or galvanized steel are all susceptible, especially as they age.
A pipe rupture can start as a trickle, but if left unchecked, can turn into a gushing flood.
Why Pipes Burst
Pipes can burst for all kinds of reasons. Here’s a quick rundown:
Freezing Temperatures
When water freezes, it expands. And when it expands, it pushes against the inside of your pipes. If the pressure becomes too much, the pipe cracks.
Age & Material of Pipe
Pipes don’t last forever, especially if they’re made of galvanized steel. Over time, even the toughest pipes start to break down, and weak spots can become leaks.
Corrosion
If the water is eating away at the metal in your pipes, it’s only a matter of time before a pinhole becomes a geyser.
Water Pressure Surges
A sudden surge in water pressure is like a mini-explosion in your pipes. That extra force can cause cracks and breaks.
Clogs and Blockages
If there’s a clog, water pressure builds up behind it. Eventually, all that trapped pressure has to escape—sometimes through a burst.
Tree Roots
Tree roots love to find their way into pipes. Once inside, they can grow, expand, and break the pipe walls.
Shifting Ground
When the ground moves, either due to construction or natural events, it puts pressure on your pipes. That movement can be enough to cause a broken pipe.
High Water Pressure
Pipes are like people—they don’t do well under constant stress. If your water pressure is too high, it can slowly wear down your plumbing.
Accidents
Ever accidentally dig into a pipe while planting a tree? It happens. Even minor impacts can create leaks.
Poor Installation
If pipes weren’t installed properly, it’s like building a house on a shaky foundation. Eventually, things start to break down.
Poor Maintenance
Skipping regular plumbing checks is like driving without oil changes. It’s not a matter of if problems arise, but when.
Signs of a Burst Pipe Under House
So, how do you know if a pipe has burst under your house? Here’s what to watch for:
High Water Bill
If your water bill is climbing faster than a cat up a tree, and you haven’t been watering your lawn like the Amazon rainforest, it’s time to start thinking leak. A burst pipe is sneaky like that. It doesn’t always show itself in obvious ways.
Drop in Water Pressure
When water is escaping your pipes, it’s not getting to your sinks and showers. So, if you’re dealing with dribbling faucets or showers that feel like a trickle, you could have a hidden leak.
Extensive Water Damage
Got wet spots on the walls or ceilings? Or maybe yellowish stains that weren’t there last week? Water damage is like a neon sign pointing to a plumbing issue. If left untreated, this can lead to mold, mildew, and even structural damage.
Noisy Pipes
Pipes shouldn’t be chatty. If yours are banging, whistling, or making odd gurgling noises, it could mean water is flowing where it shouldn’t be. Noisy pipes often signal fluctuating pressure or restrictions, which could be tied to a burst.
Dirty Water
If your water starts looking like it came from a mud puddle, you may have a corroded pipe on your hands. Brown or cloudy water often means rust or other debris is entering your supply due to a damaged pipe.
Unpleasant Smells
Nobody likes a house that smells like rotten eggs. If you’re catching a whiff of that sulfur scent, you could have a leaking sewer line. Sewer leaks are serious—don’t hesitate to call in a plumber if you suspect one.
Soggy Spots on Lawn
If your yard suddenly looks like a swamp, you might have an outdoor pipe problem. Water from a burst pipe can create muddy patches or abnormally green areas on your lawn. This is more than just an inconvenience, it can shift the ground beneath your driveway or sidewalks.
How to Handle a Burst Pipe
If you suspect or discover a burst pipe, act fast:
- Shut Off the Water Supply: Find your main water valve and turn it off immediately to stop further damage.
- Assess the Affected Area: Check for visible leaks or damage, but don’t try to fix anything yourself if it looks severe.
- Call a Professional Plumber: This isn’t a DIY situation. Get a pro out there ASAP to assess and repair.
- Document the Damage: Take photos and videos for your insurance claim. The more proof you have, the easier the claims process.
- Circulate Fresh Air: Run fans, open windows, and use dehumidifiers to dry out the affected areas and prevent mold.
Tips for Avoiding Burst Pipes
Prevention is key to keeping your pipes intact:
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap pipes in vulnerable areas to protect them from freezing.
- Maintain Proper Heating: Don’t skimp on heating during winter. Keeping your home warm helps keep your pipes warm too.
- Repair Leaks Promptly: A small leak today can be a massive headache tomorrow.
- Drain Outdoor Faucets: Disconnect hoses and drain outdoor faucets before winter sets in.
- Open Cabinet Doors: During cold snaps, open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate around your pipes.
Call Apollo Plumbing for Emergencies
If you’re in Everett, WA or surrounding areas, and dealing with a burst pipe, call Apollo Plumbing. They’re your personal plumber and ready to respond quickly to emergencies, diagnose the problem, and provide the right fix.
FAQs
Burst pipes can lead to all sorts of questions. Here’s a handy list of the most common ones:
What causes a pipe to burst?
Pipes can burst due to a variety of reasons, including freezing temperatures, high water pressure, corrosion, clogs, tree roots, shifting ground, or poor installation. Freezing temperatures and pressure surges are some of the most common causes, but age and lack of maintenance also play significant roles.
Is it safe to live in a house with a burst pipe?
While you may not need to evacuate, it’s important to address the issue quickly. Burst pipes can lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural issues, which can become health and safety hazards over time. It’s best to get the problem fixed promptly.
What should I do first if I suspect a burst pipe?
Turn off your main water supply immediately to stop further damage. Then, assess the area for visible leaks and call a professional plumber to handle the repairs. Document the damage with photos or videos for insurance purposes.
Will homeowner’s insurance cover the damage?
It depends on your policy, but most homeowner’s insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes. However, damage caused by neglect or gradual wear and tear might not be covered. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
How do I prevent pipes from bursting in cold weather?
To prevent burst pipes during cold weather, insulate pipes in vulnerable areas, maintain proper heating throughout your home, disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around exposed pipes.
How quickly should I call a plumber?
As soon as you suspect a burst pipe, call a plumber immediately. Waiting can lead to more extensive damage, mold growth, and increased repair costs. The sooner you act, the better chance you have of minimizing damage.
Final Thoughts
Spotting and fixing a leak early isn’t just about saving money it’s about protecting your home and your health. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Keep an eye out for the signs, take preventive measures, and if you’re in Everett, WA., remember Apollo Plumbing is just a call away.
