Warning Signs of a Burst Water Pipe
When the outside temps start dipping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, exposed or poorly insulated pipes in basements, garages, and crawl spaces become susceptible to freezing and potentially bursting. A burst pipe is something you want to avoid at all costs. They are expensive and messy. The can cost thousands of dollars in water damage and create a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Unfortunately, not every burst pipe announces itself with a bang of spraying water you can hear and see. Many are where you can’t see them until the water damage starts to show. Some are small and fester over time. There are, however, still telltale signs as long as you know what to look for. Here we’ve outlined a few warning signs to watch for that could be signaling a burst pipe in your home.
How to Tell If You Have a Burst Pipe?
If you experience any of the following issues this winter, you could be experiencing a burst pipe in your home. Be on the look for these telltale signs of a burst water pipe.
Low Water Pressure
A sudden decrease in the water flow coming from your faucets or the flushing power of your toilet could signal a possible leak in your plumbing system. A burst pipe or hole in one of your water pipes could be the reason behind your sudden loss of pressure.
Discolored Water
If your tap water changes from clean and clear to a dirty brown, you could have an issue with the main water line heading into your home. It could be a broken pipe that requires professional help and soon.
Repeat Leak
You just cleaned up a puddle of water, only to find another one a few hours or days later. This water is more than likely coming from a burst pipe. It won’t matter how many times you clean up the puddle. If there’s a hole in your pipe, water will continuously leak out to where it can cause damage until the pipe if fixed.
Weird Noises
Gurgling, hissing, banging and clanging are all noises your water pipes shouldn’t be making. If you’re pipes have suddenly become noisy there is a reason, and that reason could be a warning that they are about to burst.
Higher Than Normal Water Bills
A higher water bill in the summer when you’ve been watering your lawn, gardening or filling up the pool might be expected. But if you have been slammed with a higher-than-normal water bill and haven’t made a change in your water usage, a burst pipe could be to blame.
Preventing Frozen Pipes
The best way to avoid a burst pipe is to prevent them from freezing in the winter. We have some tips on frozen pipe prevention as well as information about what to do if your pipes happen to freeze on our frozen pipe repair page. If you are experiencing any of the above issues or your faucets are acting up, you can’t draw any water at all or you notice a strange smell coming from your drains, you may want to call in a trusted plumber. Give our Minneapolis plumbers a call at 612-354-8984 or schedule a plumbing appointment online. Our professional, reliable, and uniformed team have all the tools, equipment, and training to give you the quality service you deserve.
