You can usually tell a pipe has burst if you see water spraying or pooling, hear water running when nothing is on, or notice a sudden drop in water pressure. A water meter that keeps moving with every faucet off is another strong sign.
Water Where It Should Not Be
The most obvious sign is water spraying from a pipe or a puddle that appears suddenly. Check basements, garages, crawl spaces, and areas under sinks. Water may also show up as a stain on a ceiling or a wet spot on a wall if the break is hidden.
Sounds in the Walls
Listen for hissing, spraying, or rushing water inside walls or under floors. These sounds are easiest to hear at night or when the home is quiet.
Pressure and Water Quality Changes
When a pipe bursts, water escapes before it reaches your faucets. You may notice weak flow at several fixtures. Water may also sputter, look rusty, or come out cloudy as air and debris enter the line.
Freeze and Thaw Clues
In winter, a faucet that gives little or no water may have a frozen pipe behind it. Frost on an exposed pipe is another sign. Frozen pipes can split and start leaking when they thaw, so watch them closely as temperatures rise. Many Staten Island homes have pipes in garages, crawl spaces, or along outside walls, where freezing is more likely.
To confirm a leak, turn off all water in the home and check your meter. If it keeps moving, water is escaping somewhere.
Close the main water valve right away and keep clear of any water near electrical equipment. Then, once everyone is safe, have the pipe properly repaired before turning the water back on.
If you think a pipe has burst, JPR Plumbing can help. After the repair, a check of the other exposed lines in the home can catch any pipes that are close to failing. Call (833) 603-1840.