There’s no telling when a water pipe will break, but regular inspection of your pipelines can help you solve issues as they appear. Telltale signs of a damaged pipe include a sudden increase in your water bill, smelly or discolored water, and mold growing near or around the pipe.
When these problems aren’t addressed as soon as they are noticed, it’s only a matter of time before a pipe break occurs. When this happens, don’t panic! Learn about the indications of a broken pipe and how it can be handled.
How to Handle a Burst Pipe?
While major repairs are best handled by professionals, there are some things you can do to mitigate water damage.
- Turn off the water supply in the event of a breakage.
- Contact a licensed plumber immediately to perform fixes. This would prevent further water damage
- Remove residual water from faucets to get rid of some of the pressure from the plumbing system.
- Open doors and windows for better airflow to dry pipes faster. Circulate warm air to speed up the drying process.
- For a temporary fix, use a repair sleeve on the hole to keep the water in the pipe. You can also seal the leak by clamping together a piece of rubber covered with a block of wood. However, these are only band-aid solutions; you still need to call a plum
Signs of a Pipe Leak
Puddle Formation
- While minor leaks create puddles over time, a puddle that increases in size as you turn on the water often indicates a burst.
- Water pools directly below the source of the leak, but it can also penetrate walls and flooring.
- Listen for noises of water dripping to locate and repair the leak as soon as possible.
Wet Stains on Walls and Ceilings
- Water stains of significant sizes are usually indicative of a break in the pipes. Most often, they also pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
A Sudden Increase in Water Bills
- If you haven't been using more water but are still getting a sizeable water bill, chances are there are breaks down the pipeline.
Changes in Water Pressure
- A breakage affects how water travels down the line. Low water pressure is caused by water flowing through a hole instead of the faucet.
Smelly Water
- Metallic smells together with other signs can mean a pipe burst. In addition, reddish water is a sign that the pipe broke due to rusting.
Call Us for Repairs Following Water, Fire, or Mold Damage
Call the experts at ServiceMaster by LoveJoy at (678) 293-0297 for Conyers customers or (770) 983-6665 for Roswell customers. You may also schedule an appointment online.
We provide 24-hour emergency service and are dedicated to being faster for disasters of any size. Our highly trained technicians can respond immediately to your residential or commercial water damage emergency.
