Burst Pipe Emergency: What To Do Now
Burst pipe is pouring water? Here's exactly what to do in the first 2 hours to minimize damage and cost.
Common Signs
Sudden loss of water pressure in entire home
All taps and showers weak or empty. Major pipe burst upstream. Water escaping before reaching fixtures.
Water spraying from walls or under floor
Visible water jet or pooling water. Pipe ruptured inside walls or under slab. This is a plumbing emergency.
Large water stain appearing suddenly on ceiling
Brown or wet patch on ceiling below upper floor. Pipe above burst. Water leaking down inside walls.
Water pooling in yard or driveway
Sudden wet area with no obvious source. Underground water main burst or sewer line failure.
Rumbling, knocking sounds in walls
Loud banging when taps turn off. Water hammer from pressure spike caused by burst nearby.
Wet carpet or flooring with no leak visible
Floor suddenly damp beneath carpet. Pipe running under floor has burst. Structural damage likely.
Why This Happens
Frozen Pipes (Winter)
Water inside pipes freezes, expands, splits pipe wall. Usually occurs in exposed pipes in unheated areas. Brisbane rarely freezes, but roof/exterior pipes at risk.
Corrosion and Age
Galvanized and copper pipes corrode over 20–30 years. Walls thin, pressure causes split. No warning before rupture.
High Water Pressure
Pressure over 100 PSI stresses pipes and joints. Fitting fails under stress, pipe ruptures.
Tree Root Damage
Underground sewer or water main fractured by tree roots. Roots push through crack, pipe fails suddenly.
Impact or Ground Shifting
Heavy vehicle driving over line, house foundation settling, or ground movement puts stress on pipes and causes rupture.
Poor Installation
Pipes installed with incorrect pitch, sharp bends, or weak joints. Fails under normal pressure over time.
When to Call a Plumber
If you see water spraying, hear hissing, or smell water in walls, it's a burst. Turn off water immediately at main valve. Call 1300 158 895. We respond 24/7 for emergencies.
What To Do RIGHT NOW (If Pipe Burst)
- 1. Turn off water at main valve
Located near meter outside house or in garage. Turns it counterclockwise. STOP water immediately. - 2. Call us NOW: 1300 158 895
Say "burst pipe emergency". We dispatch within 60 minutes 24/7. - 3. Document water damage (photos)
Take photos of wet areas for insurance. Don't move things yet. - 4. Dry out affected areas
Open windows, use fans. Prevent mold growth while waiting for repair. - 5. Turn power off to wet areas
Don't touch wet electrical areas. Safety risk.
Why Speed Matters
First 2 Hours
- ✓ Shut off water, stop damage
- ✓ Repair pipe, restore service
- ✓ Limit water damage
- ✓ Prevent mold growth
- ✓ Cost: ~$600–$1,200
Delayed 12+ Hours
- ✗ Massive water damage to flooring, walls
- ✗ Mold develops inside walls
- ✗ Structural damage to foundation
- ✗ Insurance may not cover delays
- ✗ Cost: $5,000–$20,000+
Our Burst Pipe Repair Process
1. Locate the Break
We find exactly where pipe burst using pressure testing or CCTV (for sewer lines).
2. Assess Damage
Check if pipe can be patched or needs section replacement. Explain options upfront.
3. Repair or Replace
Fix the burst section, test pressure, restore service. Usually done same day.
4. Document for Insurance
Provide photos, invoice, repair description for your insurance claim.
Prevention
- ✓ Know your main valve location — test shutting it off annually
- ✓ Install pressure regulator — if pressure exceeds 80 PSI
- ✓ Replace old pipes proactively — galvanized/copper over 25 years at high risk
- ✓ Insulate exposed pipes — especially in roof/exterior areas
- ✓ Monitor water bill — sudden spike may indicate underground leak before rupture
- ✓ Professional inspection annually — for homes over 20 years old
Related Services
Still not sure?
Call our experts. We'll diagnose the issue and advise the best solution.
Call 1300 158 895