Burst Pipes? Don’t Panic, Call O’Brien Plumbing North Wollongong!
When it comes to a plumbing emergency, a burst pipe is on the top of the list.
It can be an obvious detection with gushing or pooling of water or hidden where you might not notice it till it’s too late if it’s under the house or in a hidden area.
If you see a drop in water pressure, dampness or pooling of water near the yard or house or an increasing water bill, it’s s sign you have a leak that could quickly turn into a burst pipe.
At O’Brien Plumbing North Wollongong, our expert local plumbers will help you find and fix your burst pipe ASAP. We provide fast and reliable plumbing services throughout the Illawarra region and are available 24/7 for plumbing emergencies.
For expert help with burst pipes in Wollongong, get in touch with us today. Contact us online or call us by phone.
Call Us (02) 4284 3358
What do I do if I have a pipe burst?
- Turn off the main water supply
Once you’ve located where the burst pipe is, the first thing to do is switch off the main water supply. In most Australian homes, it is usually located towards the front of the property neater the water meter.
It’s a good idea that everyone in your house knows where this is located for emergencies. Turn off all the taps in the house and flush the toilets, so there is no excess water in the pipes.
- Assess if minor or major repairs are needed
If the pipe has a small leak, it’s not an emergency situation and may only require minor leak detection and repair. If flooding is caused and large volumes of water, call one of our emergency plumbers in Wollongong straight away.
- Remove any water or waste
Depending on the size of the burst water pipe and the amount of flooding that occurred before you switched off the water at the main, you may have significant amounts of water in your home that needs removal.
It’s essential to try and get rid of as much excess water as possible by mopping and using towels until the experts arrive. Refrain from touching sewage matter for health reasons.
Your emergency plumber will know how to clean and dispose of sewage in the safest and most environmentally conscious way possible.
Once the emergency plumber has resolved your problem and fixed or replaced your burst pipe, you may have water damage.
Moisture trapped in the walls, floors and ceilings needs to be addressed, so it doesn’t lead to mould and mildew later on, which is a health hazard in your home.
Open as many windows as possible and position fans to help dry the surface. It’s a good idea to switch off the electricity for any water damage around power sockets or electrical cords.
Most common causes of burst water pipes
1. Tree Roots
We are lucky in Australia to have plenty of trees and shrubs surrounding most houses but the tree roots under the ground can cause significant damages to pipes. The roots will naturally grow towards sources of water and can wrap around pipes and point into pipes until they break.
2. Corroded Pipes
Old pipes can burst because they are may of outdated materials or in older houses installed prior to 1970. Newer houses won’t have to replace old pipes but may need repairing. The best way to know what state your pipes are in is to call for regular plumbing maintenance yearly.
3. Collapsed Pipe
Environmental changes can damage the pipes due to earth movements. Construction near your home can also cause the soil to shift and put pressure on the pipes causing them to split or rupture.
Best ways to prevent a burst pipe
With over two decades worth of experience dealing with faulty pipes, our local Wollongong plumbers have some handy tips on how best to avoid problems with your home’s pipes and drains.
- Avoid large and hard items going down the drain. Drains aren’t designed to handle hard and large items like bones, coffee grounds, grease, potato peels, seafood shells, non-food items or anything that is hard to break down naturally.
- Don’t flush anything other than natural waste. Baby wipes and sanitary items shouldn’t be flushed.
- Steer clear of chemical drain cleaners. Chemicals can often do more harm than good and can eat away at your pipes.
- Know where your main water valve is. If you do locate a burst pipe, you’ll need to shut off the water as quickly as possible to prevent any further water damage and flooding.
- Check the water pressure. If you start noticing reduced flow in your shower head, you may have a build-up in the pipes from sediment or a blockage. Alternatively, if the pressure is too high, it can cause too much stress on the pipes and can cause cracks.
- Fix leaks immediately. Don’t let leaks go unattended as what might seem like a small problem can quickly turn into a disaster.
Get In Touch For Expert Plumbing Services
Our licenced plumbers are experienced in all types of burst pipes in the Wollongong area, so you know the job is being done by a professional. Whether it’s a burst pipe inside your home or an underground pipe, we can be on-site before you know it, and have the pipe repaired immediately to minimise any potential for damage.
Call Us (02) 4284 3358
