How to Fix a Broken Pipe

According to a recent report by QBE Insurance, broken or blocked pipes are responsible for 34% of all water damage claims. With broken pipes being one of the leading causes of costly water damage, it’s important to know how to respond effectively.

In this blog, we will walk you through the steps on how to tackle a broken pipe and protect your home from further damage.

What Are the Common Causes of Broken Pipes?

Simply put, a broken water pipe occurs when a pipe is damaged, causing water to leak or burst. This can be due to various reasons, including:

• Corrosion and Age: With time, pipes begin to degrade. Older pipes, especially those constructed from galvanised steel, are more vulnerable to corrosion, making them more likely to break.
• Freezing Temperatures: In colder regions, water inside pipes can freeze and expand, leading to cracks or bursts. Even in warmer climates, sudden temperature changes can create similar issues.
• High Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure can put strain on your pipes, leading to bursts. This is especially common in homes with older plumbing systems.
• External Impact: Whether it’s from construction work or even tree roots invading underground pipes, external impacts can result in damaged pipes.
• Blockages: Blockages in your drainage can cause pressure to build up, leading to a broken pipe. Over time, the increased strain from blocked drains in Sydney can cause a pipe to rupture.

How to Identify a Broken Pipe

Recognising a broken pipe early can help minimise the damage. Look out for these signs:

• Unusual Water Stains: If you notice water stains on walls, it’s likely that a pipe has burst or is leaking somewhere.
• Reduced Water Pressure: A broken pipe can disrupt water flow, resulting in decreased pressure.
• Hissing or Gurgling Noises: When there’s a broken pipe, air can enter the system, creating hissing or gurgling sounds as water moves through.
• Wet Patches on the Floor: Damp spots on the floor near pipes are an obvious indicator of a broken pipe.

How to Fix a Broken Pipe

When it comes to fixing a broken pipe, it’s always best to seek help from a professional plumber. Repairing pipes requires experienced knowledge, the right tools, and a clear understanding of your home’s plumbing system.

When you call a broken pipe plumber, here’s how they handle the repair:

1. Inspection of the Damage

A plumber will start by inspecting the area where the broken pipe is suspected to be. They will use specialised equipment like CCTV cameras to find the location of the break. This is crucial for avoiding unnecessary damage to walls or floors during the repair process.

2. Shutting Off the Water Supply

Before any repair work can begin, the plumber will always turn off the water supply. This is an essential step to prevent further water damage while the repair is in progress.

After turning off the water, the plumber will open faucets and taps to relieve any pressure in the pipes and drain any remaining water out of the system. This ensures that no water will spill out once the pipe is opened or cut.

3. Repairing the Broken Pipe

The plumber will choose the most appropriate solution based on the severity of the damage:

• For larger breaks, the plumber will remove the damaged section and replace it with a new pipe, ensuring it matches the original in size and material.
• If the pipe is still structurally sound, such as those with small leaks or corrosion, pipe relining could be an option. This method is done by inserting a new lining inside the existing pipe, effectively creating a new, durable pipe without digging or disrupting your property.

However, if a pipe is severely burst or has extensive damage, relining is not an option. In such cases, replacing the damaged section of the pipe entirely would be a better option.

4. Final Testing

Once the repair is completed, the plumber will perform a thorough check to ensure the system is working correctly.

They will turn the water supply back on and carefully inspect the repaired section for leaks. They will also check the water pressure to ensure it’s within safe levels and that everything is functioning properly.

When there’s no sign of leakage and the water pressure is consistent, the job is considered complete. With this, your plumbing is now back to normal, and your home is protected from damage.

How to Prevent Broken Pipes

While some pipe damage is inevitable, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a broken pipe:

• Regular Inspections: Set up regular plumbing inspections each year to identify wear and tear. Tackling minor issues before they escalate can help you avoid bigger and more expensive repairs.
• Insulate Pipes: In colder months, make sure your pipes are insulated to prevent freezing. Insulation is an inexpensive way to safeguard your pipes during winter.
• Avoid High Water Pressure: Install a pressure regulator to maintain safe water pressure levels for your plumbing system.
• Be Careful with Drainage Use: Avoid disposing of unflushable objects (baby wipes, sanitary products) down the toilet or pouring grease down the kitchen sink, as these can lead to clogs and pipe damage.
• Upgrade Your Plumbing System: Consider upgrading your pipes to materials like copper or PEX for better resilience and longevity.

Conclusion

If you find yourself facing a broken water pipe, don’t hesitate to contact Fix N Flow. We offer professional broken pipe repairing services in Sydney, with a team of skilled plumbers ready to handle your emergencies quickly and efficiently.

Give us a call at 1300 319 275 or complete our online form to schedule a repair. Let us take care of your plumbing problems and restore your drainage system to its optimal condition.