Burst Pipe Warning Signs and Water Damage Prevention

The last thing anyone is expecting is something to go wrong with their plumbing. Sometimes a pipe will burst, and there's no denying the flood of water, but other times the leak is small and subtle, and the longer it goes without being repaired, the more damage it will do to your home. Even a small pipe leak can lead to significant water damage if it goes unnoticed for too long. 

The good news is there are warning signs of a burst pipe that you can look out for. If you happen to notice any of these things happening around your home, don't wait. Instead, call in professionals before it gets out of hand. 

Water Pressure Changes or Inconsistency

One of the critical warning signs of a burst pipe is changes in water pressure or inconsistent water pressure. For example, if you notice a significant decrease in water pressure while taking a shower or doing the dishes, your pipes are likely leaking somewhere. Similarly, if the water pressure changes while you're using it (and no one else anywhere else in the home is), you should start looking for a potential leak. 

Bad Odors Coming From Plumbing

If your water has suddenly started smelling like rotten eggs, you may have a leaking sewage pipe. Since hydrogen sulfide naturally occurs in sewer lines, you should call someone to inspect your pipes right away as it can cause health problems for you and your family. Another potential cause of foul odors and discolored water is a pipe that burst because of rust, allowing it to get into your home's water supply. 

Water Stains, Damage, or Puddles

Water damage in the form of water stains is one of the most common warning signs of a burst pipe. Usually, water damage happens as discoloration on the walls where water is leaking from the pipes. You may also find mysterious puddles on the floor near these water stains, making it easier to find the source of the pipe leak yourself. 

Sinkholes or Soft Ground Outside

Less common but still possible signs of a burst pipe are sinkholes or soft ground outside your home. Depending on how close the sinkhole or soft ground is to your home, it may threaten your home's structure, so you should address leaks found outside just as quickly as those inside the house. 

Increased Water Bill

Probably the most obvious of the warning signs, besides a visible pipe leak, is a higher than average water bill. If you haven't increased the amount of water you're using every month, but your water bill rises significantly, you should be worried about leaks. Leaks will cost you more the longer they go untreated, not only on your monthly bill but also when you go to repair the leaking pipe and subsequent water damage. 

Repair Water Damage From Burst Pipes

When you notice any of the warning signs of a burst pipe mentioned above, you should act quickly to reduce the amount of damage done to your home and your wallet. But before you even get to call in a plumber or restoration expert, there are a few things you can do yourself to prevent more damage. 

Turn Off the Water

Before you do anything else, shut off your water. Doing this will prevent further water damage while waiting for someone to fix the leak. If you need the water in the meantime, turn it on as needed. 

Shut Off the Electricity

Depending on where the leak is and if there is standing water near any electrical outlets, you may need to turn off the power for safety purposes. 

Clean Any Standing Water

To prevent mold and mildew from forming, you should clean up any standing water, even small puddles, as soon as possible. 

A Water Damage Restoration Company Serving Texas

Contact Texas Certified Restoration now at (512) 883-6760 for 24 hour water damage restoration or receive a quick quotation from our website. Our water damage restoration company will get to your Texas home or business in 30 to 60 minutes.