Burst Pipe Repairs Perth

Joel Hunter

When water freezes, it increases in volume. If this happens inside an enclosed space, such as inside a water pipe, the pipe will burst. That is why there is usually a lot of talk, when the cold season approaches, about preventing your water pipes from bursting.

To achieve this goal, you just need to keep your water pipes warm to prevent them from freezing. If a pipe bursts inside the house, however, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. It is important that you act fast to prevent further loss of water, which can increase your water bills significantly.

Acting fast will also go a long way in preventing water damage because freestanding water can wreak havoc on unprotected surfaces.

Drip Hunters Plumbing and Gas provides reliable burst pipe repairs across Perth, handling inspection, fault detection, and full pipe replacement as required. Our licensed plumbers carry out scheduled repairs promptly. Contact us by filling out the form or give us a call on 0439 922 548

What To Do If A Pipe Bursts? Immediate Steps to Take

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

The first thing you should do when you discover a pipe has burst is to stop the water leak. Just go to the main shut off valve/stopcock and turn it in the clockwise direction. This will effectively stop water from leaking into the house through the damaged section. Next, you should open all water outlets inside the house to drain water from the pipes.

Step 2: Locate the Pipe Break

The next step is to find the pipe break. Before you can take any further steps, you need to locate the pipe break and assess the damage. There are two things that you should watch out for – the size of the crack and the amount of water that has spilt to the floor. If only a small amount of free-standing water can be seen on the floor and the crack is small, you may be able to repair the damage on your own. However, if a lot of water has spilt onto the floor, you will have to call a professional to offer water damage repair services.

Step 3: Repair the Problem

There are many ways of repairing burst pipes. The first is to cut and slice a garden hose, and slip it onto the cracked section. Use hose clamps to hold the sliced piece of garden hose in place. You can check if the leak is plugged properly by turning the water back on.

Step 4: Call-in the Experts

Water damage repair is a complicated process. It usually starts with water extraction and drying, followed by humidity control. Ideally, you should call an experienced water damage repair company to repair the damage caused by freestanding water.

Step 5: File Your Insurance Claim

Water damage repair is usually costly, so you should get in touch with your insurance company to start processing your claim.

Signs of a Burst Pipe

Spotting a burst pipe early can save you from costly water damage and expensive repairs. Here are the key warning signs to watch for:

Visible Water Damage

Water stains on your ceilings, walls, or floors are often the first indication that something’s wrong. You might notice discolouration, peeling paint, or warping in affected areas. Puddles forming around your property without an obvious source are another clear red flag.

Unusual Water Pressure

A sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home could signal a burst pipe. If your taps are barely trickling or your shower has lost its usual flow, there’s likely a leak somewhere in your system diverting water away from where it should be going.

Strange Sounds and Smells

Listen for hissing, dripping, or running water when all taps are turned off. These sounds indicate water escaping from your pipes. A musty or damp smell, particularly in areas like your bathroom or kitchen, suggests hidden water accumulation from a leak.

Increased Water Bills

An unexplained spike in your water bill is often the result of water leaking from a damaged pipe. If your usage habits haven’t changed but your bill has jumped significantly, it’s time to investigate.

Wet Patches in Your Garden

Soggy areas in your yard, especially when it hasn’t rained, can indicate an underground pipe has burst. You might also notice unusually lush or fast-growing patches of grass where a leak is feeding the soil.

How to Prevent Pipes From Bursting

Prevention is always better than dealing with the aftermath of a burst pipe. Here’s how to protect your plumbing system:

Maintain Consistent Heating

While Perth doesn’t experience extreme cold, temperature fluctuations can still affect your pipes. Ensure your heating system operates properly during cooler months, particularly if you have exposed pipes in uninsulated areas.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

Any pipes in roof spaces, under floors, or in outdoor areas should be properly insulated. This protects them from temperature changes and reduces the risk of damage.

Monitor Water Pressure

High water pressure strains your entire plumbing system. If you notice strong flow from taps or hear banging in your pipes, have your water pressure checked. Installing a pressure regulator can protect your pipes from excessive strain.

Address Small Leaks Promptly

That dripping tap or minor leak might seem insignificant, but it can indicate underlying issues. Fix small problems before they escalate into major bursts.

Schedule Regular Plumbing Inspections

Professional inspections can identify potential problems before they cause damage. We can spot early signs of corrosion, check for root intrusion, and assess your pipes’ overall condition.

Be Mindful of Tree Placement

When landscaping, consider the location of underground pipes. Plant trees away from water lines, or choose species with less aggressive root systems.

Know Your Pipe Materials

Understanding what your pipes are made from helps you anticipate potential issues. If your property has polybutylene pipes or ageing copper lines, consider having them assessed for replacement.

Common Causes of Burst Pipes in Perth

Understanding why pipes burst helps you protect your property. Here are the main culprits in our local area:

High Water Pressure

Perth’s hard water contains high levels of calcium that can cause pipes to calcify and deteriorate over time. When water pressure exceeds 500kpa, it puts excessive strain on your pipes and fittings, increasing the risk of bursts.

Corrosion and Ageing Pipes

Copper pipes gradually deteriorate, becoming susceptible to pinhole leaks and bursting. The issue isn’t limited to older homes either. Properties as young as 10-11 years old have experienced multiple burst pipes, particularly where copper pipes are installed underground in certain soil types.

Tree Root Intrusion

Tree roots are a common cause of blocked and burst pipes. Roots naturally seek out water sources and can infiltrate pipes through existing cracks or weak joints, eventually blocking the line and causing pressure build-up that leads to bursts.

Polybutylene Pipe Failures

Polybutylene plumbing pipes have proven problematic for many Perth homeowners. Pro-fit pipes manufactured by Iplex Australia between mid-2017 to mid-2022 have been particularly affected by leaks, with hundreds of local properties experiencing failures.

Ground Movement and Accidental Damage

Soil movement, landscaping work, and nearby excavation can disturb underground pipes. Even routine gardening can accidentally rupture water lines if you’re not careful about pipe locations.

Factors Affecting Burst Pipe Repair Costs

Accessibility plays a major role in determining the final bill. Pipes hidden behind walls or under concrete slabs require more extensive work to access, which increases labour costs significantly.
Pipe location matters too. Interior wall repairs typically cost more than exterior fixes due to the additional demolition and reconstruction required.
Extent of water damage can add substantially to your overall costs. If water has affected flooring, walls, or ceilings, you’ll need restoration services beyond just fixing the pipe itself.
Material type influences pricing as well. Copper repairs differ in cost from PVC or PEX replacements, with each material offering different benefits for longevity and performance.

We provide transparent, upfront pricing so you know exactly what to expect. Our team assesses the damage thoroughly and explains your options clearly, helping you make the right choice for your property and budget.

Acting quickly when you discover a burst pipe minimises water damage and keeps repair costs manageable. Delaying repairs only allows more water to escape, potentially causing structural damage that becomes far more expensive to rectify.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burst Pipes

How quickly should I call a plumber after discovering a burst pipe?

Immediately. Every minute counts when water is escaping from your pipes. The faster you act, the less damage you’ll face and the lower your repair costs will be.

Can I temporarily fix a burst pipe myself?

While you can use temporary measures like pipe clamps or rubber patches to slow a leak, these are only short-term solutions. Professional repair is essential to ensure the problem is properly resolved and won’t recur.

Will my insurance cover burst pipe damage?

Most home insurance policies cover sudden burst pipe damage. However, coverage may be denied if the damage resulted from poor maintenance or neglected repairs. Check your policy details and keep records of regular plumbing maintenance.

How long does burst pipe repair take?

Simple repairs on accessible pipes can often be completed within a few hours. More complex jobs involving hidden pipes or extensive water damage may take longer. We’ll provide a realistic timeframe after assessing your specific situation.

What’s the difference between a burst pipe and a leaking pipe?

A burst pipe involves a sudden, significant rupture that releases large volumes of water quickly. A leaking pipe typically involves slower water escape through small cracks or joints. Both require professional attention, but bursts demand immediate action.

Don’t let a burst pipe disrupt your daily life. Contact Drip Hunters today on 0439 922 548 for a prompt, professional solution.