A burst pipe can quickly turn into a plumbing emergency. Within minutes, leaking water can damage flooring, walls, furniture and personal belongings, resulting in costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
Knowing what to do before your plumber arrives can help minimise damage and keep your household safe. In this guide, we’ll explain the immediate steps to take, common causes of burst pipes and how Our Plumber can help get your plumbing system back up and running.
What Should You Do If a Pipe Bursts?
If you’ve discovered a burst pipe, acting quickly is the best way to reduce further damage.
Start by turning off your property’s main water supply. This will stop additional water flowing through the damaged pipe and prevent further flooding.
If it’s safe to do so, open a cold tap to drain any remaining water from the system.
Next, move furniture, rugs and valuable belongings away from the affected area where possible. Placing towels or buckets around the leak can also help reduce water damage while you wait for your plumber to arrive.
If water has come into contact with electrical appliances or power points, avoid the area and only switch off the electricity if it is completely safe to do so.
Why Do Pipes Burst?
Burst pipes can happen for a number of reasons, and they aren’t always caused by ageing plumbing.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Corroded or ageing pipework
- High water pressure
- Damaged pipe joints
- Ground movement
- Accidental damage during renovations
- Tree root intrusion affecting underground pipes
In many cases, a burst pipe starts as a small leak that gradually worsens over time before eventually failing completely.
Signs a Pipe May Be About to Burst
Not every burst pipe happens without warning.
You may notice:
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- Damp patches on walls or ceilings
- Unexplained increases in your water bill
- Water stains around pipework
- Dripping sounds inside walls
- Small leaks that continue to worsen
Addressing these warning signs early may help prevent a more serious plumbing emergency.
How Our Plumber Repairs Burst Pipes
Once on site, Our Plumber will locate the damaged section of pipe and determine the most effective repair.
Depending on the cause of the problem, we may:
- Repair the damaged section of pipe
- Replace worn or damaged fittings
- Check surrounding pipework for additional issues
- Test the plumbing system once repairs are complete
- Restore your water supply safely
Our goal is not only to repair the immediate problem but also identify anything that may have contributed to the pipe bursting in the first place.
To learn more about our plumbing services, visit our General Plumbing page:
https://ourplumber.com.au/general-plumbing/
If your burst pipe requires immediate attention, you can also learn more about our 24/7 Emergency Plumbing Services:
https://ourplumber.com.au/24-7-emergency-plumbing-hot-water/
Act Quickly to Reduce Damage
A burst pipe should never be ignored. The faster the water supply is turned off and repairs begin, the less chance there is of significant water damage to your home.
If you’ve experienced a burst pipe anywhere around your Brisbane property, contact Our Plumber. Our experienced team provides prompt emergency plumbing services, helping homeowners stop leaks, repair damaged pipework and restore their plumbing system as quickly as possible.