6 Signs of A Bursted Water Pipe

Whether you’re walking into your home or office, the last thing you expect to step in is water. But when you face a bursted water pipe in your property, that’s exactly what may happen—not to mention the damage it leaves behind. 

Avoiding the nightmare clean-up and repairs from a burst pipe isn’t always possible. It can happen at practically any time for a multitude of reasons. However, there are things you can do to get ahead of a potentially larger problem. Keep reading to learn the signs of a bursted pipe in your property and what you should do if it happens to you. 

6 Signs of a Bursted Water Pipe In Your House

1. Fluctuating Water Pressure Levels

   The water pressure in your property should be consistent. If you’re noticing high and low pressure through your regular use of faucets and other water appliances, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with a bursted water pipe.

2. Rust-Colored Water

   When a water pipe bursts, it sets up the potential for rust to enter the line supplying your home or office. If you turn on the faucet and see rust-colored water, it may be due to a burst pipe. Contact your local plumbing company. 

3. Foul Smelling Water

   Rust is bad, but leaking sewage is even worse. If your tap water smells foul, like rotting eggs, it may be due to a burst pipe that’s allowing sewage to seep into your water, making it reek. 

4. Water Under the Sink

   An occasional pipe leak may leave a puddle under your sink. When addressed right away, it is usually no big deal. But if that puddle keeps coming back, it may actually be a burst pipe. To find out for yourself, check the wall just above the pipe cover plates for damp spots. 

5. Water Stains Forming on Ceilings

   That water stain on your ceiling isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a red flag. Water stains form when water leaks from a burst pipe directly onto the ceiling. You’ll also likely notice cracking or peeling paint. 

6. Frequent Mold Problems

   Does it feel like no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to get rid of that mold under the sink for good? It may have nothing to do with the type of cleaner you’re using or your technique. A bursted water pipe supplies all the water mold needs to continue coming back. 

Tips & Insights: Sewage Backup Causes: 6 Things To Do

Other signs may include 

• Damp walls
• Strange noises behind the walls
• Irregular water bursts from faucets
• High water bill

How to Tell If a Pipe Burst Under Your House

Most of the aforementioned signs deal with things you may see in your home, but what if the burst pipe is underground? If unexplainable puddles or sudden potholes or sinkholes start forming in your yard, there’s likely a burst water pipe underground. 

What Causes a Bursted Water Pipe?

• Pipe freezing
• High Water Pressure
• Corrosion & erosion

What To Do When A Water Pipe Bursts

Unlike water flooding disasters from storms, you have much more control over the source of water with a burst pipe. When handling a burst water pipe, your first move is shutting off the main water supply. Then you should run your faucets and flush toilets to drain the remaining water in the pipes, helping relieve pressure. 

If water is leaking near electrical outlets or anywhere near a power source, shut off electricity immediately if possible.

With the water source shut off, you’re left with the draining, cleanup, drying, and repairing. Or you could call a professional water damage restoration company with a track record for reviving properties damaged by a burst pipe.  

Tips & Insights: Is It Normal To Have Water In My Crawl Space?

Contact a Professional Water Damage Restoration Company

No matter the size of the damage, you can rely on Cleanup & Total Restoration to be there within an hour to provide an on-site estimate and get the water damage restoration process started. We’ll get your property properly drained, dried, and get damaged areas restarted to their pre-loss condition. 

Call CTR at 208-377-1877 any time, any day of the week.