Pipes in your house or business might burst at any time. A damaged leaky pipe can be difficult to see since pipes are usually concealed from view, and if left unattended, it can cause substantial and costly damage.
Why Do Pipes Burst
Pipes can burst due to freezing, installation errors, physical damage, and even corrosion. Over time, a small hole in the pipe might easily grow into a bigger one. Repairing water damage to carpets, drywall, or other house components may be costly. Ignoring indicators of a possibly broken pipe is never a smart idea.
How to Identify a Broken Pipe
To avoid more costly damage to your home, it’s critical to notice a broken pipe as soon as possible. Here are a few simple methods for detecting a leaking pipe in your house:
- Changes in Water Pressure- Before washing your hands or taking a shower, always check the water pressure in your faucets. If your water pressure starts to drop, it might be an indication of a damaged pipe. There is most certainly a leak somewhere in the system if your water pressure is really low. You might not be able to get water out of the faucets if your pipes are frozen.
- Water that Smells or is Discolored- A ruptured pipe is indicated by a weird black color or a foul odor in your water. If the water becomes brown, it’s because a pipe in the ground has ruptured. The pipe will rust with time, allowing dirt, germs, and other impurities to enter the water and endangering you and your family. A rotten egg stench in your water might indicate a sewage leak, which is produced by hydrogen sulfide forming in sewer pipes. It’s critical that our plumbers look into this problem.
- Strange Sounds Coming from the Pipes- Plumbing systems are designed by professional plumbers to be as quiet as possible. As a result, odd noises emanating from your pipes might indicate that you have a leak. Whistles or bubbling noises indicate a leaking pipe. When air enters sewage pipes, it causes them to bubble. Water attempts to enter through tiny areas of dented pipes, resulting in whistling noises. You will hear a leaking sound while the water is flowing, suggesting that the leak is already present.
- Standing Water Below the Sink- The most common technique to identify whether a pipe in your house or business is leaking is to look for standing water beneath the sink. You may also look for wet carpets and floors to see whether there has been a flood.
- High Water Bill- If your water bill has suddenly increased without any significant changes in consumption, you may have a leaky pipe causing excessive water usage. This problem should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent more water damage.
- Water Marks- Watermarks on the walls are a common sign of ruptured pipes. Because pipes are hidden behind your house or business’s walls, they will leave a mark if they break or leak. You could even feel the wall being damp or squishy at times.
- An issue with Exposed Piping- Pipes are more prone to rupture if they are left uncovered. These pipes are frequently found under your sink or in a partially completed basement. If the water in the pipe has frozen or is likely to freeze, look for ice, frost, and condensation. A bulging pipe indicates that the water within has frozen and is about to break.
How to Locate a Leaky Pipe
Looking for puddles or leaking water around your property might quickly reveal a faulty pipe in your house or company. You may notice stains on your ceiling or drywall if you have an exposed pipe, or you may be able to see where the hole is. On the other hand, some leaks are difficult to detect because they are concealed behind walls.
If you suspect a leak, determine if it is within your house or business or outside in the water main. While testing and inspecting for a leaky pipe, turn off any water-using appliances and avoid using toilets or other sources of water. After that, you’ll look at the water meter. Double-check whether anything has changed after a half-hour.
The next step is to determine if the leak is on the inside or outside of the building. The main valve must first be turned off. Keep an eye on your meter; if it suddenly stops moving, you have a leak. If the leak continues to travel, it will be outside the house.
Finally, if you’ve discovered a leak, keep an eye out for any apparent clues, like around sinks, showers, or toilets, to help you pinpoint its exact location. If you are unable to identify the leak, you should seek the aid of a plumber. If the leak has caused damage to your house, call Restoration 1 of Columbus for assistance.
