One of the most potentially expensive and damaging plumbing emergencies is a burst pipe. Your entire plumbing system is under constant pressure to ensure water comes out of your faucet when you turn it on. When a pipe bursts, that pressure is released through the cracked pipe instead. This can cause thousands of dollars worth of property damage in minutes, as water will continue to leak out of the burst pipe until the main water line is closed. This can be compounded when the burst pipe is hidden behind a wall or hard to access location, as you may not notice it at first. Once you notice any of the signs of a leaking or burst pipe, you should call an experienced plumber immediately.
There are several clear indications that a pipe is leaking or has burst.
The clearest symptom of a burst or leaking pipe is excess water around pipes. If the leak is in one of the accessible pipes in your home, like under the kitchen sink, this will be relatively easy to check. If the burst pipe is behind a wall, you’ll either have to expose the pipe by cutting through drywall or keep an eye out for some of the other symptoms.
Another easy to spot sign of a burst or leaking pipe is the constant sound of running or dripping water. This can help you identify a leaking pipe that is behind a wall and its approximate location.
When a pipe is leaking behind a wall, the excess water tends to seep into the surrounding drywall, which can cause staining and sagging. The drywall can also be soft to the touch due to the water logging.
The appearance of mould and mildew in seemingly odd places on walls and ceilings can indicate a hidden leaking pipe. The leaking water creates a moist environment that the mould and mildew can grow on, which will look out of place in any room except the bathroom.
Water that leaks out where it shouldn’t usually pools and becomes stagnant. This is a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, which produce an unpleasant smell. If you notice a bad odour coming from the walls or floor near a drain, you may have a burst pipe.
Another easy to spot sign of a burst or leaking pipe is the constant sound of running or dripping water. This can help you identify a leaking pipe that is behind a wall and its approximate location.
The appearance of mould and mildew in seemingly odd places on walls and ceilings can indicate a hidden leaking pipe. The leaking water creates a moist environment that the mould and mildew can grow on, which will look out of place in any room except the bathroom.
If you notice that your water bill is extremely high without any commensurate increase in your water usage, that can be a sign a pipe has burst. As a leaking or burst pipe will continue to pump water until it is fixed, this will increase your home’s water usage and thus your bill.
There are several steps you can take to avoid the headache of a burst pipe.
One of the biggest causes of burst pipes in Ontario is due to frozen pipes. As the water in a pipe freezes, it expands and can cause the pipe to crack. Ensuring your pipes are in good working order and your holiday home pipes are drained will protect you from nasty surprises.
Practicing regular plumbing maintenance is the best way to avoid a leaking or burst pipe. Having an experienced plumber perform a comprehensive check of your plumbing can catch any potential problems before they arise, saving you time and money in the long run.
Harsh chemical drain cleaners use a mix of highly corrosive substances to dissolve blockages in your drains. Whilst convenient, the chemicals can actually strip your pipes and make them more susceptible to cracking. Use vinegar and baking soda for a less damaging cleaning solution.
Drain Clear specializes in quickly and expertly repairing all leaking and burst pipes. We have been serving Ontario for over 25 years, and we are known for our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. Burst pipes are a time critical plumbing emergency. That’s why we offer complete 24/7 availability to ensure you always have a professional and courteous plumber just a phone call away. Our fully licensed and insured plumbers will quickly locate the burst pipe, shut the main water line and patch or replace the pipe. We will then work with you to develop a plan of action moving forward and go through steps to ensure the problem doesn’t arise again. When you call on Drain Clear, you’re trusting over two decades of plumbing experience and attention to detail.
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