A burst pipe can be alarming, stressful, and suddenly occur at any time of the day. If this is something you’ve dealing with for the first time, chances are you’re asking this question: can I reach out to an emergency plumber for urgent assistance? 

The answer is yes. As we’ll go on to cover, calling a licensed plumber is incredibly important for any emergency, and burst pipes are no exception. Throughout this article, we’re going to break down what you need to know about burst pipes and why it’s so important to get in touch with an emergency plumber as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Burst Pipes

Understanding what causes burst pipes can help you prevent this plumbing emergency. Burst pipes can happen due to a variety of reasons, some of which may develop over time:

1. Freezing Temperatures: In colder areas, water inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing the pipes to crack or burst.
2. High Water Pressure: Excessively high water pressure could place additional strain on your pipes and lead to ruptures over time.
3. Corrosion and Ageing: Older pipes are more susceptible to corrosion and structural weaknesses, making them more prone to bursting.
4. Blockages: Severe blockages tend to create a buildup of pressure, particularly if the pipe is already compromised.
5. Tree Roots: Roots from nearby trees sometimes infiltrate and obstruct pipes. This then causes them to crack under pressure.

Each of these issues can develop gradually and you may be completely unaware. In most cases, a sudden burst pipe is often the result of an underlying problem that has gone unnoticed. By keeping an eye out for these common causes, you just might be able to reduce the chance of a burst pipe and save yourself from a major inconvenience.

Signs You’ve Got a Burst Pipe – From Obvious to Subtle

Burst pipes don’t always reveal themselves immediately, and they won’t all fit the classic image of water spouting everywhere. With that in mind, here are some of the more obvious and subtle signs to look out for:

Obvious Signs:

• Flooding or pooling water within your home or near the pipes in your back/front garden.
• A sudden drop in water pressure across your plumbing system.

Subtle Signs:

1. An unexpected spike in your water bill, which could be due to an undetected leak from a burst pipe.
2. Damp or discoloured patches on walls, ceilings, or floors, which may indicate a pipe has burst inside your home.
3. Hissing or bubbling sounds, often signalling escaping water.
4. Rusty or cloudy water, which could indicate pipe corrosion, a common precursor to bursts.

Recognising these signs early will help you to minimise damage. Most importantly, it gives you the nudge you need to call in a professional. With their help, you can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major disaster. If you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, be sure to contact a licensed plumber at the first sign of trouble.

Immediate Steps to Take

When a pipe bursts, a quick response can really help to prevent any further damage. Here’s what to do:

Turn Off the Main Water Supply: Locate and shut off the main water valve to stop water flow. This is critical to limiting water damage.

1. Switch Off Electricity: If water is leaking near electrical outlets or appliances, turn off the electricity to avoid risks.
2. Move Furniture and Belongings: Relocate items to prevent water damage, particularly if the leak is near valuable possessions.
3. Open Taps: Drain any remaining water in the system by turning on taps. This reduces pressure and helps prevent further leaks.
4. Call an Emergency Plumber: Contact your closest PlumbCall team immediately. We’re available 24/7 and ready to respond to plumbing emergencies, providing expert support to prevent further damage.

Of course, if you’re unsure what to do, it’s perfectly fine to wait for your plumber to arrive and take care of the situation. At PlumbCall, we have service technicians who are available on nights and weekends, ready to provide you with a genuine 24-hour service.

If it’s urgent, we’ll make it seriously urgent. Your problem is our business! Whether you need an emergency plumber in Bendigo, Bundaberg or any other location in Australia, we’re ready to lend a helping hand! Check out our service areas right here.

What Happens If I Don’t React?

Ignoring a burst pipe or delaying repairs can have serious consequences. Prolonged exposure to water can cause significant structural damage and health issues, as well as lead to costly repairs down the track.

1. Water Damage: Water can seep into walls, floors, and ceilings, causing extensive damage that’s costly to repair.
2. Mould and Mildew Growth: Damp environments encourage mould growth, which can lead to health issues and require professional cleaning.
3. Structural Damage: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken building materials, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
4. Increased Costs: The longer a burst pipe goes unattended, the more costly the repairs can become due to compounded damage.

On the flip side, reacting quickly to a burst pipe will limit the spread of water, prevent headaches, and save you from hefty repair costs.

Why You Shouldn’t DIY Burst Pipe Repairs

It may be tempting to try fixing a burst pipe yourself, especially if the leak appears minor. However, burst pipes often indicate larger issues that require professional expertise. DIY repairs may only provide temporary relief and can lead to further problems, including:

1. Inadequate Sealing: Without proper tools and materials, a DIY fix might not seal the leak completely, leading to recurrent leaks.
2. Unseen Structural Damage: A licensed plumber can identify any hidden structural damage caused by water seepage.
3. Safety Hazards: Dealing with electricity near leaks or handling gas lines requires specialised knowledge to protect your safety, or the safety of your tenants.

Burst Pipes and Utility Bills

As cost-of-living continues to climb, we all need to find ways to save money and avoid unnecessary expenditure. Unfortunately, a burst pipe will often quickly escalate into a costly ordeal, especially when it comes to your utility bills. 

Here’s how:

1. Increased Water Usage: Even a small burst or crack in a pipe can lead to a continuous leak, wasting gallons of water each hour. This can cause your water usage to surge, resulting in unexpectedly high bills.
2. Hidden Leaks Add Up: Sometimes, burst pipes don’t cause visible flooding but may leak steadily in areas that are hard to detect, like under floors or behind walls. These hidden leaks can go unnoticed for weeks, leading to accumulated costs on your water bill.
3. Energy Costs in Heating Systems: If the burst pipe is in a hot water line, your water heater will be working overtime to heat new water constantly, significantly increasing your energy bills.

Who Should I Reach Out To?

With staff operating across the country, PlumbCall is your trusted source for a 24/7 emergency plumber in Australia. We’re dedicated to providing timely and effective service when you need it most. Our fully licensed plumbers can respond quickly to emergency plumbing repairs, using the latest equipment and expertise to resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

PlumbCall started as a one-person operation in January 1997. Robert Mackay, the Founder, had initial plans to develop the plumbing maintenance market into a more serviceable platform. Part of that plan was to make it faster and easier for our clients to get their plumbing issues serviced. To provide our clients with a trusted brand they can rely on, 24 hours a day. Today, we offer a service that’s readily available when you are.

Remember, burst pipes are best handled by experienced professionals. So, don’t wait—contact your nearest PlumbCall team and we’ll send a qualified pro to your door in no time!

Other Common Plumbing Emergencies in Australia

Burst pipes are among the most urgent plumbing issues, but they aren’t the only ones. Other common emergencies include sewer backups, overflowing toilets, water heater failures, and gas leaks. Each of these emergencies poses its own risks and requires professional attention.

1. Sewer Backups: These pose a serious health hazard, requiring immediate attention to prevent exposure to contaminants.
2. Overflowing Toilets: An overflowing toilet can lead to water damage and spread bacteria if not addressed promptly.
3. Water Heater Failures: A sudden loss of hot water can be highly inconvenient, especially in winter.
4. Gas Leaks: Dangerous due to the risk of fire or poisoning, gas leaks should always be handled by a licensed plumber.

For each of these emergencies, prompt action from a professional plumber is essential to ensure safety and restore normalcy as quickly as possible. The next time you need reliable emergency plumbers in Hervey Bay, Bendigo, or any other corner of Australia, make sure to give us a call straight away!