Without a warning, you find a pool of water spreading out on the floor. Confused, you look around for the source of the leak and find a damp spot on the wall. If that is the case, you have a busted water pipe in your home.
During some very cold winters, managing a burst water pipe can be a nightmare. But let’s admit it. As plumbing systems get old, they are more prone to leaks and bursts. You need to stay prepared to handle such problems and minimize the damage.
Busted Water Pipe? 3 Things to Do Right Away
If a pipe is leaking, it is time to act fast. You need to stop the water flow immediately. The next steps include removing the water and checking for damage. At the same time, you need to ensure the safety of all the occupants in your home.
1. Shut Off the Water Main
Make sure to know where the main shut-off valve is in your home’s water supply line. The first step is to shut off the valve and stop the flood of water in your home. Also, turn the faucets on to release the water remaining in the pipes. This will also help in releasing any additional pressure in the lines.
2. Assess Collateral Damage
Check the walls and the floor for any signs of water damage, including moisture stains, discoloration, and soft or warped spots on the flooring. Peeling, or bubbling of a painted surface or wallpaper is another sign. Generally, wood and fabric materials are the ones that are most affected by water damage.
3. Call in a Professional
For effectively managing a burst water pipe, you need professional guidance from plumbers who know the right ways of tackling such problems. Apart from ensuring a permanent fix for the leak, you need a comprehensive plan to dry the wet surfaces and prevent future issues like mold growth.
Beyond repairing the damage, a professional team can use specialized extraction equipment to clear standing water from tricky spots. They can also track hidden sources of moisture by using moisture meters. Besides, they can get rid of any mold, bacteria, and other contaminants by using disinfectants and other cleaning solutions.
Signs of a Broken Water Pipe in the House
To be honest, it is hard to detect a broken water pipe under the house or in the walls. More than often, the initial signs go unnoticed, causing burst pipe water damage a few weeks later. Here are a few signs that you can watch out for.
Water Pressure Fluctuations
If a faucet is splashy or generating a weak flow, it can be due to fluctuating water pressure in the lines. A burst pipe leaking water and creating a pressure disturbance within the system can be the reason behind that.
What if all the faucets or showerheads in your home have a reduced flow?
That indicates a significant pressure drop which needs further investigation by a professional.
Unusual Noises in Pipes
If you hear unusual noises like banging, hissing, or rattling when you turn on a faucet, it can be due to a broken water pipe. The damage in the pipe allows air to enter the system, resulting in these noises.
Standing or Leaking Water
Water stains and dripping water are the most obvious signs of a burst pipe. The volume of the water seeping down will match the severity of the leak. Likewise, a burst pipe in the attic can cause stains or bulges in the ceiling. Stains on the wall can indicate hidden leaks which may result in serious structural damage to the house.
Another sign to look out for is persistent mold. If it keeps coming back in the same spot, a leaked pipe behind the wall can be the reason. Excess humidity from leaks mostly affects basements, attics, and bathrooms. Mold growth is most noticeable in these areas.
Increased Water Bills
A spike in your water bill, even when the water usage hasn’t changed, can indicate a hidden leak. Considering a gallon of water has around 11,350 drips, imagine how much a large leak can add to your water consumption volume throughout the month. You can use the water meter to conduct an easy test and determine if the house has a damaged water pipe.
Unpleasant Odors
If the water flowing through the faucet or shower has an unpleasant smell, a leaking pipe can be the reason. The leaking water leaves traces of iron salts in the walls which can also generate a rusty odor.
Examples of Pipe Burst Damage
While you can’t live without it, water can be destructive to your home. It’s not uncommon for burst pipe water damage to ruin a house. This makes it necessary to repair leaked pipes at the initial stage.
Structural Damage
Seepage of water can cause damage to the building materials of a home. This can even lead to damage to the foundation or the structural columns. Ultimately, cracks can develop in the walls and floors, making the entire structure insatiable. Repairing such damages can get expensive.
Mold Growth
Name one thing that mold and other fungal species love. Quite simply, it’s moisture. When a surface is kept wet for around 48 hours, the chances of mold growth are high.
Note that mold growth is not just an aesthetic problem. Exposure to mold spores can cause symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, breathing difficulty, sneezing, itching, and coughing. Stopping the leak immediately and drying the surfaces is the best cure for the problem.
Damage to Materials
The most damaged items from a pipe burst will be the carpet and flooring in your home. The water is also likely to damage wooden items.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t avoid the risks of pipe burst damage completely, you can keep an eye out for the warning signs and prevent the worst scenario from unfolding. Make sure to conduct regular checks of the water lines and act immediately in case of an emergency.
The Beach Plumbing team can efficiently handle emergency pipe bursts in your water system and get the water damage restoration process underway. If you suspect a water leak in your home feel free to contact us for a quick evaluation of the problem and the best solutions.
Call us for any plumbing emergency today!