Five Signs Of A Burst Pipe

A burst pipe can be incredibly destructive. In a matter of minutes, large amounts of floodwater can flow into your home causing significant, long-term damage. One of the best things you can do to avoid this is to be on the lookout for more subtle indications of such a problem in your home. 

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Here are five signs that you may have a burst or leaking pipe according to our water damage restoration pros at Restoration 1 of Charlottesville.

Unusual Sounds

A pipe leaking inside your walls can lead to strange sounds developing throughout your home. Usually, this is from water dripping from the leaky pipe. However, it may not always sound like dripping water since the walls can obscure the dripping sound. 

Bad Odors

When water pipes burst in the ground, dirt and other contaminants can get into the water. Over time, an undiscovered burst pipe will rust and make rust particles collect inside your pipe. This can give the water a brownish tint, and a metallic smell, causing health problems after repeated exposure. This can also result in sewage leaking into your pipes and causing your water to smell like rotten eggs which also poses a threat to your health.

Discoloration Or Water Stains

Watermarks on the wall are another indication of a burst pipe. Because pipes run close behind the wall, even a small leak can lead to moisture spots on your wall. This will result in your wall becoming damp or squishy. It may also develop very unsightly gray or brown spots that are hard to remove and can diminish the property value of your home. 

High Water Bill

A leak means that you are constantly using and paying for extra water. While no one wants to pay extra for water they aren’t using, there is one advantage to this. An unusually high water bill can tip you off to a leak in your home. As you get your water bill each month, check your water usage levels to see if anything looks out of place. If your usage levels have become unusually high for no apparent reason, it’s likely that you have a leak somewhere using up your water. 

Mold Growth

Any place you find water damage, you are also likely to find mold. Mold is probably the most common and easily identified consequence of water damage. If you notice a mold problem in your home, you should immediately begin looking for the source of the mold. This may tip you off to a larger, underlying water damage problem that you need to address. 

While any one of these signs on their own may not seem like a major issue, they can tip you off to a larger water damage threat under the surface. Give us a call at Restoration 1 of Charlottesville without delay if you notice any of these issues in your home so we can repair the damage and fix any larger, underlying issues.