Like most people, you probably only think about plumbing after a problem arises. And if you’re unlucky, the problem is a broken pipe. But how do you know it broke your pipe?
While many think of a burst pipe as a dramatic event, it can often be quite subtle, especially if that pipe is hidden behind walls or underground. Here are some signs to look out for.
How do you know you broke the pipe?
A pipe, by definition, is a hollow tube used to transport fluids such as water. The pipe wears out over time as water passes through it. The force of the water, among other factors, results in the degradation of the pipe, causing it to burst.
Because water often moves with such force along the pipe, the water ends up coming out of the drain into the pipe rather than traveling the rest of the way. This can be potentially dangerous, especially if there are appliances that can get wet.
In addition to any damages, broken pipes it can also increase the water bill. If left undetected, broken pipes can contribute to more than half of your water bill.
This is very alarming in a world where water costs have never been higher. As such, it is best to be able to identify broken pipes in their early stages. In addition to directly seeing the broken pipe, below are eight signs that the pipe has broken.
1. Watermarks
A sign that a pipe has broken is noticing watermarks on surfaces such as walls and ceilings. These spots are usually darker than the surrounding surface and are slightly cooler and softer to the touch. In addition, paint and other coatings often expand due to the water they have collected from the broken pipe.
In these cases, damaged pipes are usually buried under cement or behind plasterboard, making it difficult and expensive to replace. However, when left unattended, broken pipes can end up causing significant structural damage.
Sometimes watermarks may remain from previous water intrusion. If you’re not sure if your watermark is new, note where it ends. If it starts to rise, then you’ll know it’s due to a new water leak.
2. Formation of puddles
This is one of the most obvious signs of a water leak but these puddles can form far from the actual source of the runoff. This is rarely a problem, as a puddle from a leak is usually due to an emergency or an obvious burst pipe.
Leaking water from broken pipes can collect in areas where pipes are exposed, such as under sinks. These puddles can grow and end up flowing into other areas, such as the kitchen floor.
If you notice puddles in or around your home, then it’s something you should investigate right away. Even if you don’t notice an immediate problem, you may not have identified the source of the problem.
For example, you may see a puddle in the basement. This puddle may have been formed by a broken pipe one or two stories above it that went down into the basement. Don’t ignore small puddles, as they can indicate a serious problem.
3. Sounds of running water and rattling pipes
You might be home alone with faucets and showers and everything is off. However, something is wrong when you hear a drip.
Close your eyes in an effort to focus on where the sound is coming from, but it can often be difficult.
Damaged pipes are known culprits for this dripping noise. This is because the water dripping from the pipes collects and ends up forming puddles. People usually find the burst pipe by following where the sound is coming from.
It’s worth pointing out that rattling pipes aren’t always a sign of a problem. It may just be the sound of hot water making its way through your system. So don’t start tearing down your walls until you’re absolutely sure you have a broken pipe!
4. Growth of fungi and algae
Fungi like mold and mildew love to grow in damp, dark areas. In certain areas of a home, such as under the sink, fungal growth can indicate a damaged pipe. Fungi can get the water they need to grow from the broken pipe.
They often grow on wooden surfaces and use wood as a food source. Unfortunately, furniture damaged by water leaks from broken pipes is at risk of fungal growth and irreparable damage.
Algae also love to grow in wet areas, but they need sunlight to grow properly. As such, damp surfaces inside a home, such as damp walls, can be enough to become a breeding ground for algae.
Because algae and fungi are usually a different color than the rest of the surface they attach to, it’s easy to tell that there are damaged pipes nearby whenever they start growing inside. However, algae and fungi take time to develop.
Because of this, the growth of these organisms is usually a bad sign and indicates that the pipe has been damaged enough that visible organisms have begun to thrive in the affected areas.
5. Fluctuating water pressure
Water leaks out of holes in broken pipes before reaching a designated exit point, such as a faucet. Because of this, water often arrives at the faucet with a lower pressure than intended.
As a result, some arrangements may still function normally, while fixtures affected by broken pipes may emit little or no water. It all depends on how bad the damage is.
Fluctuating water pressure is usually accompanied by the sounds of water leaking. This makes it one of the more obvious signs on the list, as fluctuating water pressure usually goes along with the other signs on this list.
Broken lines are also easier to find because the line connected to the low pressure fitting can easily be traced back.
6. High water bills
The water pressure already fluctuates and you use less water than ever. However, despite minimal water consumption, the water bill is higher than ever.
This indicates that the water is draining from the system before you can use it. The damaged pipe can be easily located if fluctuating water pressure is also observed.
However, in cases where the water bills are high, while the water pressure seems constant in all the fixtures, it is best to contact a plumber as soon as possible. Even if there are no other visible signs of a damaged pipe, it’s best to try to fix the problem before it gets too big to handle.
7. Contaminated water
Broken pipes usually spray water out of them, preventing pollutants and microorganisms to contaminate the water before reaching the lighting fixtures. However, there are pipes that retain water only when in use.
When water does not drain from these pipes, contaminants such as rust, dirt and microorganisms can enter. The water then passes through and collects these contaminants and carries them to the fixtures. This results in discolored water that often smells strange.
Contaminated water poses risks to human health and should not be consumed. Similar to fluctuating water pressure, the location of the break pipe can easily be traced back from the device, making it a little easier to locate.
That being said, it takes time for pipes to accumulate enough contaminants to change color and smell, so the pipe may have been damaged for some time before symptoms start to appear.
8. Strange smells
Along the list, it was established that microorganisms thrives in areas with a constant water supply.
Whenever pipes burst, microorganisms tend to thrive near the affected areas. These micro-organisms can release strange, strange and foul-smelling odors that are very noticeable, especially when you get close to the affected areas.
By locating the source of these odors, damp areas within the home can be located, which can help locate damaged pipes.
How to deal with a broken pipe
There are a few things you can do to minimize the damage and make repairs easier. First, turn off the water supply to the affected area. This will help prevent further water damage.
Next, call an installer to come and assess the situation. They will be able to determine the extent of the damage and give you an estimate for repairs. Finally, start cleaning up the water damage as best you can.
This may involve using a wet/dry vacuum to remove excess water, installing fans to dry the area, and using dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth. Broken pipes are never fun, but by taking these steps you can help minimize the damage.
Final thoughts
If you notice any of the above signs, then it is important to take immediate action. A small broken pipe may not flow a large volume of water, but if left unchecked, it can turn into a huge problem.
Some damage can be easily repaired, but in most cases, it’s best to seek professional help to prevent potential damage to the home’s structure or connected pipes. Hopefully soon you will be leak free and have a dry home again.