Dealing with a burst pipe in the home is a source of dread for many Melbourne homeowners. The potential for water damage, the cost of repairs, and the disruption to everyday life will all affect your stress levels.
As with most things, understanding the causes of plumbing issues will help you take preventive measures. Even though there is always a risk, knowing about burst pipe repair and how to prevent them can save you money and time.
This guide will educate you about the most common causes of pipe leaks, what to do when they happen, and give a few tips on how to prevent burst pipes.
How to Know When You Have a Broken Pipe
Sometimes, a burst pipe is not immediately apparent. Some can take time before signs become visible, especially when they develop behind walls or at the back of overstocked bathroom cabinets.
Here are a few signs to always keep in the back of your mind regarding pipe leaks:
● An unexplained increase in your water bill
● Mold and mildew growth where it's never been a problem before
● Loss of water pressure
● A slight hiss, or the sound of running water even when there are no taps running
● Your water meter keeps turning even though all fixtures are turned off
● Peeling or blistering wallpaper or paint
● Dark stains on the walls or ceiling
● Noticeable sags in the ceiling or floor
Leaks can also happen outside, so watch for wet spots in your yard or patches where the soil appears to have sunken down and settled. An unresolved leak outside can leave permanent puddles that are a haven for mosquitos, mould, ants, and termites. Soil erosion around your home can also reduce the foundation's structural integrity, often equating to an expensive repair.
Common Causes of Burst Water Pipes
Various factors can cause your pipes to give up the ghost and burst under the pressure. Here are some of the most common causes we deal with when asked to perform burst pipe repairs in and around Melbourne homes.
Corroded pipes: While not so prevalent in newer homes, pipes in older homes are prone to corrosion. A corroded pipe is weakened and will eventually burst under pressure. Newer homes use PVC or copper pipes, which are immune to corrosion or more rust-resistant.
Hard water: An excess of calcium and magnesium in the water leads to mineral deposits inside the pipe that slow the flow, increase water pressure, and accelerate corrosion.
Poor installation: A rushed installation, cost-cutting, and sub-par parts will create weak points in your plumbing that could burst at anytime.
Freezing and thawing: Pipes in the colder regions of Melbourne are subject to the stresses of freezing and thawing water inside. Fortunately, burst pipes from freezing weather are relatively easy to prevent.
Blockages: A blocked pipe will cause a pressure build-up that can crack and burst the pipe if not repaired.
Tree roots: An invasive tree root is another common cause of burst pipes and is easily prevented with some forethought and planning.
How to Prevent Burst Pipes
A Melbourne home can never be completely immune from burst pipes, but you can proactively prevent them.
Regular inspections: Just like most of us have regular medical checkups to keep our health on track, your home's plumbing can benefit from regular inspections. A professional plumber can review your home, noting any issues or damaged pipes and recommending repairs or replacements wherever necessary. Doing this will help you avoid any catastrophic emergencies and expensive repair bills.
Routine maintenance: Regular maintenace is more effective and convenient than dealing with a burst pipe. For example, you could monitor developing issues with routine CCTV surveillance services that gauge the condition of your pipes. When repairs are required, your plumber can advise on pipe relining, and if you suspect a blocked drain, take action immediately before they can develop into significant issues.
Temperature regulation: If your home is in one of the colder regions of Melbourne that experiences freezing temperatures, you can use insulation to protect your pipes against frozen water.
Fix high water pressure problems: A banging sound everytime you run water from a tap indicates high pressure in the pipes. These sometimes alarming sounds often lead to bursting if the underlying issue is not resolved. Ask your plumber about how you can reduce the pressure in your plumbing.
Deal with tree roots: Ignoring tree roots as they encroach upon your property is a common cause of bursting pipes. Map out your plumbing and note any trees that might be an issue. Consider relocating or removing the offending tree once your plumber removes the roots and repairs the pipe.
Address wear and tear: Pipes get old and break and need replacing. A plumbing inspection can help you understand when to replace your pipes rather than waiting for them to burst and possibly cause significant damage.
Ensure a high-quality installation: A good plumbing system is essential for reliable, long-lasting service. A professional plumber with experience and a solid reputation is always the best person for the job.
What to Do When Pipes Burst
Some of us will get through life without ever dealing with a burst pipe, but knowing what to do will minimise the damage if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate emergency:
Turn off the water supply: Shutting off the main supply is the first and most critical step when a pipe bursts. If you don't know where your shutoff valve is, it's a good idea to find out before you need it. A burst pipe can release an impressive amount of water in very little time, which is a pain to clean up and can damage your property.
Locate the broken pipe: You will need to know the location of the burst pipe because this information can speed up the repair process when the plumber arrives.
Repair the pipe: You may be tempted to attempt burst pipe repair yourself to save money, but this is not recommended. Qualified experts must repair all plumbing issues in Melbourne. Attempting to do it yourself will make your home non-compliant and could increase the risk of further damage. Stay safe by always using qualified plumbers to handle all of your plumbing issues.
