5 Signs of a Burst Pipe
Few home problems are as stressful as water damage. A burst pipe can turn a normal day into a nightmare, leaving you scrambling to stop the flooding and minimize the mess. The longer it goes unnoticed, the worse the damage gets — ruined floors, soaked drywall, and the risk of mold growth.
The key is catching it early. If you’re wondering how to know if your pipes burst, there are clear signs that something is wrong. Here’s what to watch for so you can take action before the problem spirals out of control.
1. A Sudden Drop in Water Pressure
If you notice a significant drop in water pressure, a burst pipe could be the reason. When a pipe breaks, water escapes before reaching your faucets, showers, or appliances. This can result in weak or inconsistent water flow.
In some cases, fluctuating water pressure is another warning sign. If the pressure drops suddenly and then returns or varies throughout the house, a damaged pipe could be leaking behind the walls or under the floors.
If you turn on a faucet and get barely a trickle, don’t ignore it. A busted water pipe needs immediate attention before it leads to further damage.
2. Water Stains, Wet Spots, or Pooling Water
Water always finds a way out. If you see unexplained water stains on your ceilings, walls, or floors, a burst pipe might be leaking behind the scenes. These stains often start small but grow over time, turning into a much bigger problem.
Other signs to look for:
- Wet spots on carpets or flooring
- Standing water near baseboards or under sinks
- Peeling paint or warped drywall
A leaking pipe can cause excess moisture, which not only leads to structural damage but also creates a breeding ground for mold. If you spot any of these signs of a burst pipe, it’s time to call a professional plumber.
3. Strange Noises Coming from the Pipes
A properly functioning plumbing system should be quiet. If you hear unusual sounds, like hissing, gurgling, or dripping inside the walls, there could be a burst pipe leaking behind them.
Unusual sounds to listen for include:
- Hissing: This can indicate water spraying from a broken pipe.
- Dripping: If you hear a steady drip but don’t see a leak, it might be hidden inside the wall.
- Gurgling in the Drains: This could mean air is being pulled into the plumbing system due to a pipe burst.
If you hear any of these noises, don’t wait for visible signs of damage. A damaged pipe could be leaking more water than you realize.
4. A Higher-Than-Usual Water Bill
If your water bill suddenly jumps for no reason, this can, unfortunately, be one of the signs of a burst pipe. Even a small crack in a pipe can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month, costing you money and leading to further complications.
Here’s a quick way to check:
- Turn off all water fixtures in your home.
- Look at your water meter.
- If the meter is still moving, you likely have a water leak.
If your bill has increased and you can’t explain why, it’s worth calling a professional to check for leaks before they cause serious water damage.
5. Discolored Water or Unpleasant Odors
A burst pipe can affect more than just your water flow — it can change how your water looks and smells. If you notice brown, yellow, or rust-colored water, a broken pipe could be allowing dirt or rust particles to enter your water supply.
Foul odors can also be a warning sign. If your water starts smelling like rotten eggs, it could mean hydrogen sulfide from sewer lines is leaking into your water system. A burst pipe can also cause a sewage leak, leading to a foul smell around sinks, toilets, or drains.
If you notice discolored water, foul odors, or an unpleasant smell coming from your plumbing, don’t wait to investigate. When you catch a burst pipe early on, it’s usually easier to fix than a full-blown plumbing disaster.
What Causes Pipes to Burst?
While a busted water pipe can happen for many reasons, some of the most common causes include:
- Freezing Temperatures: Water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on pipes until they burst. Exposed pipes in crawl spaces, laundry rooms, or unheated areas are especially vulnerable.
- Clogs and Pressure Buildup: A severe clog can trap water in the pipe system, leading to excess pressure that eventually causes a pipe to crack or burst.
- Aging or Corroded Pipes: Over time, water pipes can wear down, leading to weak spots that are more likely to break. Rust, minerals, and naturally occurring gas in the water supply can speed up this process.
- Tree Root Intrusion: Roots searching for moisture can invade underground pipes, leading to cracks and leaks.
- Weak Joints: If pipes weren’t installed correctly or have weak connection points, they’re more prone to leaks and breaks over time.
What to Do If You Have a Burst Pipe
While you’ve probably wondered how to know if you have a burst pipe, it’s equally important to know what to do once you notice a burst. If you’ve spotted signs of a burst pipe, quick action is critical to prevent further damage. Here’s what to do:
- Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate your main shut-off valve and turn it off immediately.
- Drain the System: Turn on all faucets to release water from the pipes and reduce pressure.
- Turn Off the Power (If Needed): If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, shut off your electricity to avoid hazards.
- Call a Plumber: At Reynolds Electric and Plumbing, our plumbers in Eugene, OR, can locate the damaged pipe and fix it before it leads to more serious problems.
- Clean Up Excess Water: Dry out wet areas to prevent mold growth and further damage.
Need Burst Pipe Repair in Eugene, OR? Call Us Today!
If you’re seeing signs of a burst pipe, don’t wait. Ignoring a leaking pipe can lead to serious water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs.
Reynolds Electric and Plumbing offers burst pipe repair in Eugene, OR, and the surrounding areas to help homeowners fix the problem quickly. Our team of experienced plumbers can locate the damage, repair your plumbing system, and help prevent future leaks. Call today to schedule an appointment and stop a small leak from becoming a big and costly disaster!