You can usually tell a water pipe has burst if you see water spraying or pooling, hear rushing water with every faucet off, or notice a sudden drop in water pressure. A wet ceiling or wall that keeps getting worse is another strong sign.
Look for Water
Check under sinks, behind toilets, around the water heater, and anywhere pipes are exposed. In basements, look at the ceiling under kitchens and bathrooms. A puddle that returns right after you dry it, or a stain that keeps spreading, points to an active leak.
Listen
At a quiet time, stand near walls and floors where pipes run. A hiss, a steady drip, or the sound of water flowing when nothing is on can mean a pipe is leaking inside the wall.
Notice the Faucets
When a pipe splits, some water escapes before it reaches you. You may notice weak flow at several faucets at once. Water may also sputter, or come out cloudy or rusty as air and debris enter the line.
Think About the Weather
During very cold weather, a faucet that gives little or no water may have a frozen pipe behind it. Frozen pipes often split and start leaking as they thaw. Watch pipes along outside walls and in unheated spaces closely when the temperature rises again.
If your home has its own meter, turn off all water and watch the meter. If it moves, water is escaping. In apartment buildings with one meter, ask the building staff to help.
If you find a break, close the main valve and keep clear of any wet electrical areas. A plumber can then repair the split section and test the line.
For help, call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840. After the repair, insulation checks for exposed lines can show whether other pipes need protection before the next freeze.