Undertaking Temporary Burst Pipes Fixtures

A burst pipe is a serious problem that may occur with plumbing and is a typical emergency that needs to be rectified promptly. Depending on the location of the broken or leaking pipe, it is quite possible that no one will detect the problem before significant damage has occurred.

If left undealt with, the damage will be extensive and may have an impact on both your property and your family.

As local plumbers in Sydney’s North Shore, we get called to many jobs to fix burst pipes; with a good understanding of the stress that comes with it we are quick to action.

Although if you find yourself in a situation in which you have to wait for the plumber to arrive, there are some straightforward actions that you may perform as a stopgap measure while you wait.

Temporary Fixes for a Burst Pipe

The first point of action we recommend when a burst pipe is discovered is to turn the water off at the mains and call our plumbing service. Usually, one of the team members will be out to you quickly, but in the instance of a short wait, some measures will keep damage minimised by:

• Firstly, keep safe and be careful in rooms where a leak has occurred, especially if you aren’t sure how long the issue has been around. If the ceiling is bulging, it could cave in at any time, causing not only damage to the room but to yourself also.
• When a pipe leaks near your electrics, whether located in your ceiling or behind your walls, be sure to turn the electrical mains off. If you find a leak located by the mains, don’t go anywhere near it and contact us without delay.
• Grab your buckets and use them as a temporary measure to catch drips and water leakage from ceilings. While you cannot instantly stop more damage to the ceiling, you can prevent any issues from taking place on your floor.
• If you haven’t already, another temporary fix involves locating the stopcock, generally located under your sink and turn it off. If it isn’t under the sink, it is likely to be where the pipe from your main water service runs to the house.
• The pipes can be drained after you turn the water off. This is done by flushing your loos and turning cold taps on. If the water can be cleared, the leak will be minimised.
• Lastly, if you have water heating, turn on the taps for your hot water will help any water drain from the system.

 

Contact Your Local Plumber for All Leaks and Burst Pipes

If you suspect you have a water pipe that’s burst, the best course of action is to call your emergency plumbing service immediately. Leaving a burst pip until you have time to address the issue will leave your home with electrical and structural damage that will be costly to repair or redo.  

Following the above steps as a temporary fixture is a way to move forward should you need to wait a short time for your emergency plumber to arrive.

 

Clear Signs Your Water Pipe Is Burst

If you recognise the signs of a pipe that’s burst early enough, it is likely to make a massive difference to the level of damage caused. It’s essential to have good knowledge of what to look for, and depending on the location of the leak or burst pipe, the signs will differ. These are some of the common symptoms of the issue:

 

1. Damp Patches & Discolouration

One of the most noticeable signs of water leaking, usually indicating it has been an issue for some time, is dampness and discolouration on ceilings and walls.

If you observe the peeling of wallpaper or the bubbling of paint, this is another unmistakable indication that there is a problem with water leaking.

The presence of a ceiling bulge is yet another indication that water is present in an area where it shouldn’t be.

 

2. Dripping or Spraying Water Sounds

If you hear water dripping or spraying, it clearly indicates a leak in one of the pipes supplying water to the home. If it is a large pipe, the sound is louder and more prominent and is also relatively easy to hear.

 

3. Dripping Water From the Ceiling

When the ceiling trickles water, it is rather evident that there is a problem somewhere in the building. If there is water collecting on your flooring, you should consider that there is likely a pipe that has burst or is leaking underneath the floor, which needs looking at.

The kitchen and the bathroom are two places within your home that you should inspect. The area around the sink, the shower, and the bathtub is where you should look for puddles first.