Everything you need to know about burst water pipes

A burst water pipe can be stressful for just about any homeowner or tenant, but with proper management and identification, you can reduce the impact of this plumbing disaster. With a bit of insight and the help of an expert plumber, knowing what causes burst pipes and what to do about them is easy. A burst pipe is a big problem, but staying calm and knowing the signs can make your life a lot easier.

If you’ve experienced a burst pipe in the past or you want to know what to do in the future, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a quick guide to everything you need to know about burst water pipes to get you started:

What does a burst pipe look like?

The first thing that comes to mind with a burst pipe is torrents of water and a flooded home. But while some burst pipes do reach these extremes, other burst pipes aren’t quite so visible – and can cause a lot of damage before you even know they are there. An extremely inflated water bill can be a sign of a burst pipe you haven’t found yet, as well as wetness in the walls and hissing sounds. Water building up under your lawn or pooling in your garden can all be signs of an exterior burst pipe, too.

What causes a burst pipe?

Commonly, burst pipes are caused by the intermittent freezing and thawing of water when the temperature reaches below freezing. As the ice expands, the pipe bursts because there’s nowhere else for it to go. But there are other reasons for pipes to burst. These include corrosion and damage to the pipes themselves, such as through construction and age, clogs in the pipeline causing pressure, and even tree roots damaging external pipes.

Handling a burst pipe emergency

A pipe has burst on your property – so what should you do first? Calling an emergency, experienced plumber is top of the list for handling this kind of emergency. But there are some things you can do while you’re waiting for the plumber to arrive to prevent further damage to your home:

Burst pipes inside the home

If you have a burst pipe in your home, you should do the following:

• Turn off the water supply to the property if possible by locating the water meter and valve. This will shut off the water to your whole home.
• Clean up any large pools or spills of water quickly to reduce damage. You can use mops, towels and other absorbent fabrics to clean up as much as you can.
• Call your insurance company and let them know what has happened.

Burst pipes outside the home

If you have a burst pipe outside of your home, you should do the following:

• Turn off the water supply to the property if possible by locating the water meter and valve. This will shut off the water to your whole home.
• Ensure no one is allowed close to the area where the pipe has burst, as hot water can be harmful to children and pets and cause severe burns.
• Seek advice from a plumber on whether you can turn on water temporarily to shower or use the toilet if the pipe takes a long time to fix.

What should I do if I’m a tenant, not a homeowner?

Burst pipes can happen to anyone, whether you own a home, you’re renting it, or you’re visiting temporarily. If you’re a tenant, you should first call your landlord to arrange an emergency plumber. If they do not answer or cannot send a plumber in good time, you can contact an emergency plumber yourself and potentially seek reimbursement. Your landlord will also be responsible for rectifying damages, while your contents should be covered under your personal insurance.

What happens with insurance

If you’re a homeowner, your house insurance will likely cover damage caused by the pipe burst but not the cost of repairing the actual pipe. That specific coverage also applies to landlord’s insurance. If you’re a tenant, your insurance should cover the cost of damaged or ruined items if you have flood cover.

Are you concerned about a burst pipe on your property, or are you seeking specific advice for a plumbing issue? Andrew J. Robertson Plumbing can help. Get in touch with our friendly team today for emergency plumbing services, advice, and a free quote for our expert services.