How to Tell If a Pipe Burst

A burst pipe can cause significant damage to your home if not detected and addressed quickly. While freezing temperatures are less common here, pipe bursts can still occur due to age, corrosion, high water pressure, or ground shifting. Recognizing the warning signs early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and prevent extensive water damage.

Sudden Drop in Water Pressure

One of the earliest indicators of a burst pipe is a noticeable decrease in water pressure throughout your home. When a pipe ruptures, water escapes through the damaged section instead of flowing to your faucets and fixtures. Test multiple faucets around your house to see if the pressure drop is isolated to one area or affects the entire plumbing system. Inconsistent water pressure between different fixtures often indicates that the burst pipe is located between your main water supply line and the affected fixture.

Unexplained Water Stains and Dampness

Visible water damage is one of the most obvious signs of a burst pipe. Look for dark or discolored patches on your walls, ceilings, and floors, especially near plumbing fixtures. These water stains may appear yellow or brown and feel cool and squishy to the touch when fresh. You might also notice bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, or soft, damp spots on walls and ceilings where water has seeped through from hidden pipes. Check crawl spaces and areas where pipes run through walls for signs of moisture accumulation.

Strange Sounds From Your Plumbing

A burst pipe often announces itself through unusual noises in your plumbing system. Listen for hissing, dripping, gurgling, or banging sounds coming from walls, floors, or ceilings when no fixtures are running. These sounds indicate water flowing where it shouldn't be or air escaping through a crack in the pipe. High-pitched whistling noises can signal that water is escaping through a rupture, while constant rushing sounds often mean water is actively leaking behind walls or under floors.

Spike in Your Water Bill

An unexplained increase in your water bill is a red flag for a hidden burst pipe. Even when all faucets are turned off, a ruptured pipe continues to leak water, causing your usage to skyrocket. Compare your recent bills to previous months to identify any sudden jumps in water consumption that can't be explained by changes in household usage. Desert residents should be especially vigilant during summer months when higher bills might otherwise be attributed to increased outdoor watering.

Musty Odors and Mold Growth

A persistent musty smell in your home often indicates hidden water damage from a burst pipe. Water leaking into walls, floors, or enclosed spaces creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew growth. You might also detect a rotten egg smell caused by hydrogen sulfide gas buildup from stagnant water or bacteria near a broken pipe. Visible mold growth on walls, ceilings, or floors is a serious sign that water has been leaking for some time and requires immediate attention to prevent health issues and structural damage.

Discolored or Strange-Tasting Water

If water coming from your faucets appears brown, yellow, or rusty, it could indicate a burst pipe. Discoloration often occurs when a pipe ruptures and allows dirt, rust, or other contaminants to enter your water supply. Strange tastes or odors in your drinking water can also signal plumbing damage that needs professional assessment.

Standing Water or Puddles

Unexplained pools of water in your home, basement, or yard are clear indicators of a burst pipe. Check under sinks, near water heaters, around toilets, and in utility rooms for signs of standing water. Also inspect your yard for unusually wet or soggy spots, sinkholes, or areas where grass is greener than the surrounding areas, as these can indicate an underground pipe burst.

What to Do If You Suspect a Burst Pipe

If you notice any of these warning signs, act quickly to minimize damage. Shut off your main water supply immediately to stop water flow, document the damage with photos for insurance purposes, and contact a licensed plumber right away. Addressing a burst pipe promptly is crucial to prevent water damage, especially in our desert climate where moisture can quickly lead to structural issues and mold growth in homes not designed for excess humidity.

Early detection is key to preventing catastrophic water damage from a burst pipe. By staying alert to these warning signs and taking immediate action, you can protect your home from costly repairs and ensure your plumbing system remains in good working order.