Signs Your Pipes Have Burst

If you turn on your tap, you may hear gurgling, hissing, or clanging. These sounds are unusual, and they tell you that something is terribly wrong. You may be dealing with a burst pipe.

Why do burst pipes happen?

Burst pipes are a common problem during winter. They are most likely to happen when the temperatures are below freezing or when there is a winter storm. They happen more frequently when there's ice outside. 

Water that freezes in your pipes can prevent you from getting any water that you need from the tap. When water becomes ice in your pipes, it increases the pressure when you turn the tap on. This is how a pipe breaks.

What are the signs of a burst pipe?

If you notice a sudden, sharp drop in your water pressure, chances are you're dealing with a burst pipe. There are other signs that happen with burst pipes. 

Water that is filthy or has a funny odor is a sign of a broken pipe. Usually, this happens with ground pipes. Rust or corrosion can gradually destroy a pipe, leaving holes inside of them. If you see a brownish hue, you need to call a plumber immediately.

Sudden clanging noises or sounds of running water inside your walls spell trouble with your pipes. If you hear anything unusual like this, it means that you have a broken pipe. In this case, you should contact your plumber. A thorough inspection will uncover the problem. From there, you can fix it.

If you notice water marks on your walls, a burst pipe may be your culprit. Pipes located inside the walls will break and leave noticeable watermarks. These giant spots should never be disregarded as a simple oddity. The problem will worsen if it isn't caught in time.

Another issue is standing water. If you start noticing puddles or flooding underneath your sink, it's time to call the plumber. When pipes break, they leak water, which results in a water puddle underneath your sink. Even a mild leak can create this dilemma. This is not something you should ignore.

Sudden and unexplained increases in your water bill are good indicators of a broken pipe. Even if you don't hear running water noises or see puddles under your sinks, you should at least call for an inspection. Your plumber should be able to find the issue immediately.

What should you do when your pipes burst?

There's no greater headache for homeowners than dealing with a ruptured pipe. When this happens, it's a nightmare. Lack of water means not being able to do several things. You can't cook, wash, or make coffee without it. You can, however, call a plumber like Mr. Rooter for service when this happens. They can address the problem and fix it right away.

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