Signs To Help You Detect Burst Pipes

Nothing ruins your day like discovering a major leak or water damage in your home. A burst pipe can quickly turn into a nightmare and cause significant damage and rack up costly repairs. The worst part? It often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. You may ask, how do I know if a pipe burst? If you know what to look for, you can spot the early warning signs and take action before things get out of hand.

Burst pipe detection

Here are the key signs to keep an eye on that could signal a burst pipe. Spotting these early can save you a lot of stress—and money!

Sudden Drop in Water Pressure

One of the first things you might notice if you have a burst pipe is a drop in water pressure. How can you tell if a pipe burst? If you’ve turned on the tap or shower and the water flow is weaker than usual. This could mean water is escaping through a crack or hole in one of your pipes. Even small changes in pressure should not be ignored, as they can indicate the early stages of a burst pipe.

• If you experience low pressure in more than one part of your home (e.g., kitchen sink, bathroom taps, and shower), it’s likely there’s an issue with a main pipe.
• The drop in pressure can vary. Sometimes, it may be sudden, other times, it may gradually get worse over a few days. 
• In more severe cases, water flow may stop entirely. The pipe could have ruptured so badly that water isn’t reaching certain areas of your home.

Damp or Wet Patches in Walls and Ceilings

A burst pipe often shows itself through damp or wet spots on walls and ceilings. When water leaks from a burst pipe, it can seep into these areas and leave visible damage behind. These patches usually start small but will grow over time if the leak continues. Burst pipe detection is important. Catching these signs early can help you avoid more significant issues like mould growth or weakening your home’s structure.

• Look out for peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, or stained patches on the walls or ceiling. These are all signs that water is getting into places it shouldn’t.
• The floor can also be affected, especially if the pipe is underneath. Look for any soft spots or warping in the flooring. 

Murky or Foul-Smelling Water

If you notice that your water has a brown or yellowish tint or smells unpleasant, it could be a sign that a pipe has burst or corroded. When a pipe cracks, things like rust, dirt, or even sewage can leak into the water supply. 



• A strong, foul smell, particularly one resembling rotten eggs, can indicate a burst sewer pipe. It may also mean bacteria have entered your water supply through a crack in the pipe.
• The water might also look cloudy or have small particles in it, which indicates dirt or debris has gotten into the system.
• If your water appears dirty or has a foul odour, avoid using it. Have the pipes inspected to prevent potential health risks.

Strange Noises in Your Plumbing

Strange sounds coming from your plumbing can be a warning sign. Pipes that make unusual noises could be suffering from pressure imbalances caused by a burst or cracked pipe. A “water hammer” is the term for the loud banging or clanging noise you may hear when turning on taps. It is usually caused by fluctuating water pressure within the pipes.

• Dripping or running water sounds inside the walls may mean apipe is leaking, even if you can’t see the water. 
• Whistling or hissing sounds might indicate that water is being forced through a smaller opening in a damaged section of pipe.
• These noises might start off soft but tend to get louder as the problem worsens, so it’s best to act quickly.

Rising Water Bills

A sudden increase in your water bill is often a clear sign of a hidden burst pipe. If your water habits haven’t changed but the bill has, there might be a leak somewhere in your system. Even a small leak can waste a lot of water over time and cause your costs to rise. 

• Check your latest bill against previous months. If there’s an unexplained jump, it’s worth looking into.
• Sometimes, leaks aren’t easy to spot, so keeping track of your water bills is a good way to find hidden problems before they get worse. 

Get a CCTV Drain Inspection with Jet Blaster Man

While burst pipes usually involve your water supply lines, issues in the drainage system, like clogs or blockages, can cause pressure imbalances that lead to pipe bursts. A CCTV drain inspection lets us spot these underlying issues. It also helps prevent and provide burst pipe repair efficiently by addressing the root cause.

If you suspect a burst pipe or just want peace of mind, contact Jet Blaster Man, your trusted burst pipe plumber, to book a CCTV drain inspection today.