How Can You Tell If a Pipe Burst? 5 Signs to Look Out For

It’s a homeowner's nightmare: you walk inside to find a mysterious puddle and the sound of dripping water. So, how can you tell if a pipe burst on your property?

A burst water pipe is one of the most destructive problems you can face. And when that burst water pipe is hidden, the damage can be significantly worse as it’s harder to detect.

They often occur without warning and result in severe damage to your home’s foundations. Severe damage that ends with you shelling out for potentially costly repairs.

The good news is that you can often spot the tell-tale signs of a burst water pipe before it causes structural damage or other catastrophes. Knowing how to identify a burst pipe early means you can act quickly to protect your plumbing system – and your property as a whole – from further damage.

Common Causes of Burst Water Pipes

Before we answer the question “how can you tell if a pipe burst?”, let’s first look at what actually causes burst pipes in the first place. Here are the most common offenders:

• Freezing temperatures.
• Tree root intrusion.
• Excessive water pressure.
• Ageing pipes.
• Poor installation.

Here in South Australia, it’s not common for temperatures to get so cold that they result in freezing pipes. Of course, up here in the Adelaide Hills, subzero overnight temperatures can happen and cause water inside the pipes to freeze.

SA Water recommends providing your water meter with some basic insulation, like a bucket or a cardboard box, to minimise the risk of it freezing overnight. Just remember to take it off the following morning.

1. A Sudden and Noticeable Drop in Water Pressure

One of the clearest signs of a burst pipe is a sudden drop in your home’s water pressure.

If your morning shower feels more like a dribble than a strong and steady stream, it’s time to investigate. A rupture of one of your supply lines causes a diversion in the water flow.

This, in turn, results in a significant decrease in water pressure to your fixtures. If you’re thinking to yourself, “Surely this will be just a slight change in pressure”, think again. These pipe ruptures cause a noticeable drop that affects everything.

To be sure, do a quick check of all the taps in your house – from the kitchen to the bathroom and even the outdoor hoses. If they’re all weak, you likely have a burst pipe that needs immediate attention.

2. Unusually High Water Bills

That feeling of dread when you open your water bill and it is drastically higher than normal? It’s not an uncommon feeling.

A sudden increase in your bill is often the first sign of a hidden water leak. A hidden burst pipe can be silently leaking water 24/7*. This leads to copious amounts of wasted water and a huge jump in your reported water usage. The end result? Unusually high water bills.

For some quick burst pipe detecting, head to your water meter. Make sure you’ve turned off all taps and water-using appliances like washing machines, then observe the meter. If the dial continues ticking over, you’ve got yourself a burst water pipe somewhere on (or under) your property.

3. Unusual Noises and Foul Smells

Sometimes, determining how can you tell if a pipe burst becomes less about your eyes and more about your ears and nose.

Keep an ear out for unusual sounds or strange noises that you can’t explain. This might be faint dripping sounds in the walls or a loud banging noise known as a water hammer, which can be caused by high-pressure issues.

You should also be alert to any foul odours. Sewage smells suggest broken sewer lines, while a musty smell often signals standing water from a leaking water pipe. Damp, dark areas like crawl spaces become a perfect breeding ground for mildew growth, creating that distinct damp odour.

4. Visible Signs of Water Damage

Often, the most obvious warning signs of a burst pipe are the ones you can see. Keep an eye out for the physical marks of water damage. These visible signs can include:

• Ugly water stains or water marks appearing on your ceilings or walls.
• Peeling paint or wallpaper for no obvious reason.
• Wooden cabinet doors or skirting boards start to warp.

Check for persistent damp spots or wet spots on your carpet and water pooling on the floor. Don’t ignore these signs, as damp patches can quickly lead to visible mould growth, which is a health hazard.

5. Discoloured Water

If the water from your taps suddenly looks murky, brown, or rusty, it’s a major red flag. This discolouration is a strong indicator that the integrity of your main water supply line has been compromised.

When a water pipe bursts underground, often due to tree roots in your pipes, the force can create a tiny crack or a larger break. These breaks allow dirt, rust, and other contaminants from the surrounding ground to get into your clean water as a result of soil erosion.

So, if your water is anything but clear, it could be a definite sign that one of your pipes has burst and needs urgent attention from a licensed plumber.

Speaking of qualified plumbers …

Always Trust a Professional Plumber

When you suspect a burst pipe, it might be tempting to try a DIY fix, but a STRONG word of warning.

In South Australia, it is illegal for an unlicensed person to make any alterations to plumbing pipework, as well as any plumbing system renovations.

A burst pipe requires the skills and expertise of a licensed professional plumber. They have the necessary tools and training to locate a hidden burst pipe and diagnose the cause.

An emergency plumber can act fast to stop the leak, minimise the damage, and perform a lasting repair. They can also provide advice on routine maintenance to help prevent pipes from bursting again in the future.

Act Fast to Protect Your Home

So there you have it – the five key signs of a burst pipe to look out for. Recognising these crucial warning signs is your best defence against a plumbing disaster.

The moment you notice that pipes burst, whether the red flag is low water pressure, a high bill, or damp patches, is the moment to act. Leaving a burst water pipe unattended will only lead to more extensive water damage and costly repairs.

Don’t wait for a small leak to become a major crisis. Be vigilant, and if you spot any of these signs, call a trusted emergency plumber straight away to protect your home.

Please note: Thank you for reading our blog “How Can You Tell If A Pipe Burst? 5 Signs To Look Out For”. This information is provided for advice purposes only. Regulations differ from state to state, so please consult your local authorities or an industry professional before proceeding with any work. See our Terms & Conditions here.