Burst water pipes can quickly turn from a minor inconvenience into a homeowner’s nightmare. Here in Melbourne, where our weather can swing from scorching summers to chilly winters, our plumbing systems often bear the brunt of these extremes and this can often cause pipes to burst, but this certainly isn’t the only common cause of burst pipes.
Common Causes of Burst Water Pipes in Melbourne
Weather-related stress: Melbourne’s temperature swings can be brutal on your pipes. During our scorching summers, pipes expand in the heat. Then, as temperatures drop, they contract. This constant expansion and contraction can weaken pipes over time, eventually leading to cracks or bursts. It’s like repeatedly stretching and shrinking a rubber band – eventually, it’s going to snap.
Corrosion: Now, this is where things get interesting. Melbourne’s diverse neighbourhoods, from the coastal areas of Bayside to the inner urban pockets, each have their own environmental factors that can speed up pipe corrosion. Saltwater air in coastal suburbs can be particularly harsh on metal pipes. In older areas with clay soil, the ground movement can also contribute to pipe deterioration.
Aging Pipes: Just like us, pipes don’t get better with age. Many homes in Melbourne’s established suburbs still have original plumbing that’s seen better days. These older systems are more prone to leaks and bursts, especially if they haven’t been well-maintained over the years.
High water pressure: This might be great for your morning shower, but it’s not so kind to your pipes. Excessive pressure can strain your plumbing system, potentially leading to leaks or bursts, particularly at weak points or joints.
At Around The Bend Plumbing, we’ve seen how these factors can combine to create perfect storm conditions for burst pipes. That’s why we always recommend regular plumbing check-ups, especially if your home is getting on in years.
Signs of a Burst or Leaking Pipe
Often, the signs can be subtle, but knowing what to look for can save you from a watery disaster.
Keep an eye out for damp or discoloured patches on your carpet, especially around bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens. These areas see the most water action, so they’re prime suspects for leaks. If you notice your ceiling sporting new water stains or discolouration, that’s another red flag. Water has a knack for finding the path of least resistance, which often means travelling along beams or pipes before making its grand appearance on your ceiling.
Signs may not always be visual. A persistent musty or ‘damp’ smell in or around your home can be a sign of hidden water damage.
Sometimes, the signs are less about what you can see or smell, and more about what you can hear. If you’re hearing whistling or hissing noises coming from behind your walls when the water’s running, that could be water escaping from a compromised pipe.
Let’s not forget about the less obvious signs. Have you noticed a sudden drop in water pressure? Or perhaps your water bill has skyrocketed for no apparent reason? These could be indicators of a leak somewhere in your system.
Our tip: Turn off all water sources in your home and check your water meter. If it’s still ticking over, you’ve likely got a leak on your hands.
Immediate Actions to Take
When you’ve spotted signs of a burst pipe, it’s time to spring into action. Don’t panic, but do move quickly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Turn Off the Main Water Supply
First things first, locate your main water shut-off valve and turn it off. This is your emergency brake, stopping more water from feeding into the broken pipe. In most Melbourne homes, you’ll find this valve near the front of your property, often near the water meter.
- Drain the Pipes
Once the main supply is off, it’s time to drain what’s left in your pipes. Open up all your taps, both hot and cold. This will release the pressure in your plumbing system and help minimise further damage. Don’t forget about outdoor taps too! - Call in the Professionals
Now that you’ve done your part to stop the immediate crisis, it’s time to bring in the professionals At Around The Bend Plumbing, we offer 24/7 emergency services across Melbourne’s Bayside, Frankston, and Kingston areas. While you’re waiting for us to arrive, try to remove any valuable items from the affected area if it’s safe to do so. But remember, your safety comes first. If there’s any risk of electrical hazards or structural damage, leave it to the professionals.
By taking these immediate actions, you’re not just stemming the flow – you’re also potentially saving thousands in water damage.
Professional Solutions for Burst Water Pipes
When it comes to tackling burst pipes, it’s best to leave it to the pros. At Around The Bend Plumbing, we’ve got a process that we follow to identify the burst pipe and repair or replace it.
Leak Detection Services
First up, we’ll need to find the culprit. Our team uses state-of-the-art leak detection equipment to pinpoint the exact location of the problem. It’s like giving your pipes a thorough health check-up.
Repair Options
Once we’ve located the issue, we’ve got a couple of ways to sort it out:
Pipe Patching: For smaller leaks, we might be able to patch things up without replacing the entire pipe.
Pipe Replacement: Sometimes, a patch just won’t cut it. If the damage is extensive or your pipes are showing their age, we might recommend replacing the affected
Choosing the Right Plumbing Service
When it comes to burst pipes, choosing the right plumber is as crucial as knowing when to call one. Here’s what you should look for when selecting a plumbing service in Melbourne:
- Experience and Expertise
You want a plumber who’s seen it all before. At Around The Bend Plumbing, we’ve been navigating Melbourne’s unique plumbing challenges for over 20 years. From the older homes in Brighton to the newer builds in Frankston, we’ve tackled burst pipes in all types of properties across the Bayside, Frankston, and Kingston areas. - 24/7 Emergency Services
Plumbing emergencies don’t wait for business hours. That’s why we offer round-the-clock emergency services. Whether it’s the crack of dawn or the middle of the night, we’re ready to respond to your burst pipe crisis. - Range of Services
Look for a plumber who can handle more than just burst pipes. At Around The Bend, we’re equipped to deal with everything from blocked drains to complete bathroom renovations. This means we can not only fix your immediate problem but also address any underlying issues to prevent future emergencies. - Customer Satisfaction and Reviews
Make sure to read reviews to see what previous customers have to say about their experience with the plumber you’re considering. - Transparent Pricing
Nobody likes nasty surprises, especially when it comes to plumbing bills. We offer free, no-obligation quotes and upfront pricing, so you know exactly what you’re in for before we start work. - Local Knowledge
A local plumber understands the unique challenges of your area. Our team is familiar with the specific plumbing issues common in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs, from Brighton to Frankston South.
When you’re dealing with a burst pipe, you need a plumber you can trust. At Around The Bend Plumbing, we tick all these boxes and more.
When it comes to burst water pipes in Melbourne, quick action and professional help are your best mates. Remember, Around The Bend Plumbing is just a phone call away on 0433 562 246, ready to tackle any plumbing drama with our 20 years of local experience and 7-year guarantee. Don’t let a little leak turn into a big headache – give us a bell and we’ll sort you out, no worries.