Spot the Warning Signs of a Burst Pipe: Detection and Restoration

6 min read

When a pipe bursts, it can create severe problems in your home. The resulting water leak can damage your Colorado property, cause mold growth and even result in structural damage.

However, burst pipes don’t necessarily result in dramatic and visible flooding in your home—at least not immediately. The initial signs of a burst pipe can be subtle and easy to miss.

While burst pipes might conjure images of gushing water, the signs of a burst pipe are often subtle and easy to miss. Staying vigilant for these seemingly minor issues can help you identify a burst pipe before it wreaks havoc on your home.

Whether you suspect a burst pipe or simply want to be proactive with plumbing maintenance, this guide on pipe burst detection will equip you to recognize the signs and take steps to address the problem immediately.

How to Spot a Burst Pipe: Common Signs

1. High Water Bills

Inspect the last few months’ water bills and check for any unexplainable increases. Spikes in water bill costs without changes in water prices or your household’s water consumption could signal a burst pipe.

2. The Water Pressure Has Dropped

If you have a burst pipe somewhere in your plumbing system, it could result in changes in water pressure through the fixtures in your home. Check all the faucets and showers to determine whether the water pressure has dropped.

Another sign of water pressure and leak issues is toilets and sinks that clog easily. Decreased water pressure can make it harder for debris to be flushed through your plumbing system, increasing the risk of clogs in sinks and toilets.

3. Soggy Spots in Your Yard

Areas of pooled water and soft spots in your yard are common signs of a burst pipe in the part of your plumbing system located outdoors.

If a burst pipe leaks for a long time, you might also notice cracks in your driveway and walkways. These occur when the ground underneath them becomes soft from saturation with water.

4. Unusual Smells

A musty, earthy smell can mean that mold and mildew have started growing in your home due to the presence of moisture from the burst pipe. Meanwhile, if you smell an odor similar to rotten eggs, this could be due to hydrogen sulfide from a sewage leak.

A sewage leak can affect your water supply and is a potential health hazard. If you smell rotten eggs, contact a plumbing company right away.

5. Water Stains and Rings

Many homes have a few water stains, but not all of them are necessarily caused by a recently burst pipe. Previous plumbing problems and roofing leaks could be the culprit. What you should be on the lookout for is water damage that seems new.

If you can reach the water stain safely, try touching it. If it’s wet and the surrounding walls are firm, then it’s likely recently made. However, if the water stain and the surrounding walls feel squishy or spongy, the water damage is likely old.

However, whether the water damage is new or old, contacting a trusted company for water damage restoration in Colorado is essential. They can assess the extent of the damage, mitigate it and repair it.

What Happens When a Pipe Bursts

A pipe bursting in your home can cause extensive water damage. The resulting water leak can harm walls, ceilings and floors, leading to the need for repairs. Additionally, the water can infiltrate hidden spaces, affecting insulation, drywall and even electrical systems. This moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew to thrive, posing potential health risks.

The consequences of a burst pipe go beyond structural damage: they can also affect your personal belongings. Furniture, artwork and electronic devices are at risk of water damage, leading to issues like warping, rotting and malfunctions. Meanwhile, items stored in basements are particularly vulnerable.

To protect your cherished photos, important documents and other belongings, it’s crucial to act fast. Swift action can help prevent further damage to your home and possessions, and you can focus on restoring your home with the help of a pipe restoration expert and a water damage specialist.

The pipe restoration expert or plumbing company will repair the burst pipe. Meanwhile, the water damage restoration expert will repair, clean and sanitize the damaged areas of your home.

The Restoration Process

The approach the water damage restoration company will take to restore your home depends on many factors. These include:

• The extent of the damage
• Whether the burst pipe resulted in flooding
• If there is mold or mildew growth
• Whether the flooring and drywall need repair or replacement

A company specializing in water damage restoration in Colorado may do one or more of the following steps:

• Extract standing water: Using powerful pumps and other equipment, the water damage restoration company will remove the bulk of the water to prevent it from seeping further into walls, floors, and furniture.
• Dry affected areas: The water damage restoration company may use Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the inside of your home as well as remove moisture from the air. This step helps prevent mold growth and may help curb structural damage.
• Repair drywall and flooring: Drywall that has been damaged may need to be replaced. Meanwhile, the water damage restoration company will dry the flooring and either repair or replace it.
• Clean and sanitize affected areas: Once everything is dried, the water damage professional will use specialized disinfectants and equipment to eliminate mold spores and bacteria.

Water Damage From Burst Pipes? Turn to the Experts

Restoration 1 is Flatirons, CO’s top choice for water damage repair and restoration. We are dedicated to helping our customers through the ordeal of burst pipes, guiding them on pipe burst detection and pipe restoration.

All of our team members are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification (IICRC). You can be confident in our skills and experience in restoring and repairing water-damaged properties.

Contact us today to learn more about our services.