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Burst Pipes

Burst Pipes

Some burst pipes are obvious. Many are slow leaks that go unnoticed for months. Here’s what to look for.

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Pipework with valves and pressure gauges

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Some burst pipes are quite obvious – water gushing everywhere! However, just as common is a slow leak that can go undetected for weeks and sometimes even months.

Subtle signs can give you the tip that something is not quite right. For example, a squishy or damp patch in your lawn that never seems to dry out, rising damp along the brickwork of your home, or a ‘hissing’ sound that seems to come from behind the wall.

Burst Pipes

Signs of a burst pipe or hidden leak

  • a squishy or damp patch in the lawn that never seems to dry out
  • rising damp along the brickwork of your home
  • a hissing sound from behind a wall
  • the sound of water under the house when everything is turned off
  • a water bill that is higher than usual

If a pipe bursts

  1. Turn the water off at the main tap. Find it now, before you need it.
  2. Move anything valuable or electrical out of the way of the water.
  3. Ring us on 0401 956 095 and we’ll find the source.

Where burst pipes hide

Glenn has found them in some interesting places. In a week in the life of a maintenance plumber, he crawls under a waterlogged house to trace a leak. His apprentice turns the water off and on while Glenn works out where it’s coming from, then he marks the spot and repairs it. He also repaired a pipe in a wall after a cabinet maker put a screw through it while fitting a vanity, and replaced a burst hot water unit.

That under-house leak was an easier fix because the pipe wasn’t galvanised. If your home has older galvanised pipes, see renewing your water line.

Slow leaks cost more than you think

A slow leaking tap alone can waste up to 20,000 litres of water a year. Read more on our taps and leaks page.

Burst pipe questions

How do I tell a burst pipe from a slow leak?
A burst pipe is usually obvious, with water gushing. A slow leak is quieter: look for a damp patch in the lawn that never dries out, rising damp on brickwork, or a hissing sound behind a wall. If you notice any of these, give us a call.
Can you find a leak under the house?
Yes. We trace leaks under floors by turning the water off and on to pinpoint where it’s coming from, then mark the spot and repair it.
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Turn the water off at the main tap, then call us straight away. Keep valuables and electrical items away from the water.
My house has galvanised pipes. Should I be worried?
Galvanised pipes build up deposits over time and can block completely. Have a look at our renew water line page for the warning signs.

Related work we do

Renew water lineOld galvanised pipes replaced with modern piping.Taps and leaksWashers, new taps and slow leaks, sorted.Hot water systemsRepair, replace or upgrade.

Got a plumbing or gas job in South-East Melbourne?

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