Burst pipes and flexible hoses can rack up thousands of dollars worth of plumbing repairs besides the disruption caused to one’s daily activities. Instead of being caught unawares by a sudden pipe rupture, there are certain measures you can take to detect pipe leaks and potential pipe bursts.
A simple way to prevent water wastage while waiting to get the tap fixed is simply to turn on the isolation valve under the sink to stop the water flow, as demonstrated in the quick video below:
What Causes Burst Pipes?
Sub-zero temperatures cause the water in the pipes to freeze, increasing the volume of the water, which puts additional pressure on the pipes.
- Increased Water Pressure
Blockages lead to a build-up of pressure in the pipes. This can be due to fat residue from the dishwasher, personal items accidentally flushed down the toilet, or tree roots. Over time, these blockages cause increased pressure within the pipes, weakening the structure of the pipe and leading to ruptures. - Frozen Water in the Pipes
Sub-zero temperatures cause the water in the pipes to freeze, increasing the volume of the water, which puts additional pressure on the pipes.
To meet Australian Standards, the maximum water pressure for residential homes is 500kpa. Water pressure exceeding 500kpa is considered high, which causes a distinctive loud thudding noise every time you turn the water on and off—this is known as ‘Water Hammer’. Left untreated, water hammer can cause the pipes to come loose, leading to costly damage.
TO AVOID GETTING CAUGHT OUT, HERE’S AN EASY WAY TO CHECK YOUR WATER PRESSURE:
Common Signs of Burst Pipes
Apart from a complete burst where you’ll end up drenched by unrestrained water flow, here are common signs of slow leaks to watch out for:
Discoloured or murky water
Fluctuations in the water pressure
Gurgling or rattling noises in the pipes
Foul odours
Excessively high water bills
Water pooling under sinks
If you’re experiencing any of the above and/or your water pressure is measuring above 500kpa, the first thing you need to do is to isolate your water supply by turning off your mains water supply valve.
ONCE YOU’VE DONE THAT, CALL THE PLUMBER NEXT DOOR!
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