Burst Or Leaking Water Pipes

What to do if you suspect you have a burst pipe or leaking pipe:

First thing to do if you suspect you have a burst or leaking pipe is to isolate your water supply by turning your mains water supply valve off. This valve is generally located at the water meter supplying your home or business. If your home or business is part of a body corporate there is usually a bank of water meters in an allocated area so you’ll find your isolation valve there.

Signs you may have a burst or leaking pipe.

Has your water bill increased significantly compared to previous bills for the same period? Can you hear any dripping or humming sounds in your walls? Have you noticed any dampness or mould growing on carpets, water staining on plaster walls or ceilings or puddles of water? If you have you may have a leaking or burst pipe.

DIY Check for a burst or leaking water pipes

A quick check you can do yourself is to turn the water off at your water meter. Take a reading of your meter and write it down. Don’t use any plumbing fixtures while carrying out the test and turn the water supply to your toilets off. Wait 1hr then turn the water back on again to your property. The meter reading shouldn’t have moved and should be the same as it was when you wrote it down. If it’s moved it sounds like you have a leak. Remember to turn the water back on to your toilets.

Locating a Burst or Leaking Water Pipe.

There are several methods to locate a burst or leaking water pipe. Visual inspection of all outdoor taps, all faucets, shower heads and toilets for any leaks or dripping taps. Check all pipework you can see under your house or in your ceiling and check around external areas where pipework is located looking for pooling of water, bugs and insects. Sometimes water from a burst water pipe can get into your storm water system and leave no sign of a leak so check your storm water outlet, if we haven’t had any rain it should be dry. For more difficult leaks to find the use of electronic leak detection or moisture detection meters can be used to pin point a leaking water pipe or burst water pipe.

DIY Pipe Repairs

You can purchase pipe repair clamps and kits for various types of water pipe materials. These can be used to get you out of trouble in the short term and stop a leaking pipe but remember they are not designed as long term solutions.

Damaged Caused by Burst Pipes and leaking pipes.

Extensive and expensive damage can happen in a short period of time if you leave suspected leaking pipes so make sure you rectify any leaks around your home or business fast.