7 Symptoms of a Burst Pipe

What Are the Signs of a Burst Pipe?

While the most obvious sign of a burst pipe is a huge water leak, there are symptoms of a burst pipe that homeowners may notice before serious water damage occurs. If you’re experiencing plumbing issues in Vancouver, Washington, make sure to call the professional plumbers at M5 Plumbing to take a look and diagnose the issue.

7 Warning Signs of a Busted Water Pipe

If you notice any of the following signs of a busted water pipe, make sure to call a professional plumber at M5 Plumbing in Vancouver, Washington right away!

1. Fluctuating Water Pressure

A burst pipe can result in wacky water pressure at your house. If sometimes it feels like hardly any water is coming out of the shower head but then blasts you in the face, you could have a plumbing problem.

2. Discolored, Smelly Water

When water pipes burst in the ground, dirt and other contaminants can get into the water. Over time, an undiscovered burst pipe will rust. The rust particles give the water a brownish tint. Additionally, the rust sets up a breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause significant health issues.

If the water smells like rotten eggs, that could be a sign of leaking sewage. Hydrogen sulfide is a naturally occurring gas that forms in sewer lines and it’s extremely important that you call a plumbing professional to inspect your plumbing system. Leaking sewage can cause health problems for you and your family.

3. Clanging or Dripping Noises in the Walls

If you hear the sound of water in your walls, you probably have a broken pipe. This sound is much different from the gurgling sound you may hear if your home normally has fluctuating water pressure.

4. Mold Problems

Excess moisture caused by a burst pipe can result in mold problems throughout the house. If you notice an excessive amount of mold or mildew (or a musty smell), it’s time to call a professional plumber to investigate and diagnose the problem.

5. Puddles Under Sinks

Another symptom of a burst water pipe is standing water. You may notice puddles underneath sinks. A leak in a pipe can result in puddles near the leaking area. If you notice standing water anywhere in your home, make sure to call a plumber immediately.

6. High Water Bills

If your water bill is suddenly out of control without any significant shifts in use, you may have a pipe leaking into the ground or other area of your home. Make sure to call a plumber even if you don’t notice any leaking water so that the issue can be resolved before it results in extensive water damage.

7. Water Marks

Another symptom of a burst water pipe is water marks on the wall. Most pipes run behind the walls and if they’re leaking or burst, they can leave marks on the wall. You may also notice dampness on the walls or squishy parts. Call a plumber to check it out before you find yourself with a bigger problem.

What to Do About a Broken Pipe

There are a couple of things that homeowners can do if they suspect they have a broken pipe in their home.

1. Shut Off the Water

If you find a burst pipe in your home, the first thing you need to do is to shut off your water. This process can help alleviate any water damage your property may incur. Your main water shut-off valve is probably near your water heater, in a crawl space, or in your basement. Once you have successfully shut off the water, you should drain all of your faucets to get the remaining water out of your pipes. This process reduces the amount of pressure in the pipe system and can help prevent any further freezing of the pipes (if that was the cause of the burst pipe to begin with). Once all of the water has stopped running from the taps, any leaks should stop and further damage may be prevented for the time being.

2. Shut Off the Electricity

Depending on the size of the leak, you may need to shut off your electricity. If you suspect that water has come into contact or could come into contact with any wires or the fuse box, call a professional right away and stay away from any water or exposed wires.

3. Call a Professional Plumber

Call the professional plumbers at M5 Plumbing if you suspect a broken pipe. Our experienced plumbers can help you avoid serious damage to your home or commercial property. Our services include leak detection, water fixture repair, supply pipe repair, and sewer system repair (among many other plumbing-related services). With decades of combined experience in the plumbing industry, the plumbing contractors at M5 Plumbing can handle all of your plumbing needs in Vancouver, Washington. Call today to get started!