You can recognize a burst pipe by a sudden loss of water pressure, wet spots or puddles without a clear source, drywall that sags or bubbles, water that turns discolored, a rushing sound inside a wall, and a water meter that keeps moving with everything turned off. Some breaks flood a room right away, but many start out hidden.
Room by Room
- Kitchen: check under the sink and behind the dishwasher and refrigerator
- Bathrooms: look at the base of the toilet, the vanity cabinet, and the ceiling below
- Laundry: inspect the washer hoses and the wall box behind the machine
- Basement: look along exposed pipes for drips, frost, or cracks
Water often follows pipes and framing before it drips, so the wet spot may be a few feet from the break.
What the Faucets Tell You
If the kitchen tap and the shower both weaken at the same time, water may be escaping before it reaches them. Spitting or sputtering faucets can mean air has entered the line through an opening.
What You Hear and Smell
A steady hiss inside a wall when nothing is running is a strong clue, especially at night. A musty odor that appears suddenly can come from insulation or wood that is soaking up water.
The Freeze Factor
After a cold night, check pipes along exterior walls and in unheated spaces. A frozen pipe may not leak until it thaws, so look again later in the day.
To confirm a hidden break, turn off every fixture and watch the water meter for about 15 minutes.
If you see these signs, close the main and stay away from wet outlets. Once the area is safe, a plumber can replace the damaged run of pipe. If you are unsure what you are seeing, having someone look things over with you can clear it up. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.