The Signs of a Burst Pipe
A burst pipe is a serious problem that requires the emergency service of a qualified plumber. Unfortunately, broken pipes aren’t always as obvious as you might think. They often start with leaks, which can be quite difficult to identify if you don’t know what to look for. As you already know, the vast majority of the plumbing that keeps your home functioning is hidden out of sight, so realizing that you have a leak often requires a little bit of detective work. So what are the signs of a burst pipe?
Signs of a Burst Pipe
Here are the most common clues that could indicate that you have a burst pipe in your house. As your top Pasadena plumber, New Gen is here for all your needs. We provide 24 hour emergency plumbing, so we are there when you need us. Whatever time it might be.
Your Water Bill is Weirdly High
Nailing down what your water bill should be gets more complicated as you add members to your household. All it takes is one toddler turning on the bathtub for fun to throw those numbers entirely out of whack. That being said, you probably have a pretty good idea of what your normal water usage is. If your bill suddenly increases, and there have been no incidents out of the ordinary, then there’s a good chance you have a leak.
This is one of the many reasons that you should have a plumbing inspection before moving into a new space where you are responsible for the water bill. An unusual increase in water usage is one of the easiest ways to detect a hidden leak. If the leak predates you living in the home, then you are unlikely to notice until the problem is much more serious.
There’s a Decrease in Water Pressure
The water pressure in your home relies on a controlled system. A leak allows water out of that system, diverting it from its intended location. As a result, you’re going to see a dip in pressure. For small leaks, this can be hard to detect. If you notice a substantial change in water pressure, then you should assume the leak is serious just to be safe. The experts at New Generation Plumbing will be able to identify the issue and prevent the leak from causing further damage to your property.
There Are Visible Water Marks
The constant running or pooling of water will inevitably damage parts of your house. You may notice discolored streaks on walls, bubbling in your floors, or discolored pools of damage on your ceilings. Each of these are tell-tale signs that water is coming from somewhere and settling at those locations. Sadly, this is just the beginning when it comes to water damage. To prevent more expensive repairs, have the leak addressed early.
Your Water isn’t Coming Out Clear
If your water isn’t coming out clear, then there’s a good chance that you have a plumbing issue. In many cases, burst pipes are caused by the effects of rust. The bi-products of that rust get washed through your plumbing with the rest of the remaining water. As their parts per million increase, you may notice a reddish-brown tinge to your water. This is a clear sign that the problem is already serious, and you should not use this water for drinking or cooking.
Your Plumbing Makes Weird Sounds
It’s true that old pipes often complain. You can hear them adjusting to changes in temperature and pressure. However, there are some sounds that aren’t normal. Bubbling and whistling are the sounds that are most commonly associated with a leaking or busted pipe. In many cases, these sounds indicated a moderate leak depending on their intensity. Either way, the leak needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further water damage.