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Recognizing the Signs of a Hidden Pipe Burst

People often assume signs of a burst pipe are obvious: rushing water sounds and flooded rooms. Unfortunately, ruptured lines can go undetected for weeks, depending on where they are and the severity of the damage.

As a building owner, you want to notice a break as soon as it occurs or at the earliest possible moment after to avoid high costs and lengthy repairs. Insurance may cover some damages, but that depends on various factors you would need to discuss with your insurance adjuster.

The best remedy for avoiding operating interruptions is maintenance and regular inspections. Still, leaks and breaks can occur even in healthy systems. Knowing the signs of a hidden break can help you detect the problem early.

5 Signs of a Burst Pipe in Hidden Areas

1. Odd Noises

One of the earliest signs of breaks or leaks is unusual noise. Strange noises like trickling, gurgling, or hissing can hint at a leak. The volume of the sound typically indicates the severity of the problem, but not always. Volume can also increase or decrease depending on the diameter of the affected pipe.

The pipe’s location can play a role in the sound’s noticeability as well. For example, a strange noise in a loud boiler room or basement may not draw as much attention as an odd gurgling noise in a well-trafficked hallway.

Strange noises are not always signs of a burst pipe or leak. There are many reasons for odd noises in plumbing, but they all require investigation. To avoid unnecessary damage to your property, you should always call a professional service like Sanitary Plumbing to assess, diagnose, and repair the causes of any odd noises.

2. Splashy or Unpredictable Faucets

Splashy faucets or unpredictable water flow and pressure are also signs of breaks or damage to water supply lines. When tenants or staff turn on faucets, they should experience a steady water flow. If the faucet spits, burbs, splashes, or sputters, there is a problem in the supply line.

If your building’s faucets are still producing water, the issue might be minor. A more significant concern is when the supply suddenly stops. A stoppage indicates a complete block or break. This could mean water losses of hundreds of gallons or more per day, depending on where the break is and when it happened.

A break in a supply line to a refrigerator can lose up to 1 gallon of water per minute or 1,400 gallons per 24 hours. If the supply line to a toilet breaks, you may lose up to 3 gallons of water per minute or 4,000 gallons in 24 hours.

Signs of a burst pipe or a possible break require immediate attention. Splashy faucets and unpredictable water flow do not always represent the worst-case scenario, but an official diagnosis is necessary to rule it out. Call Sanitary Plumbing to schedule an inspection of the affected faucet.

3. Humid, Chilly, and Unhealthy Interiors

Water leaking into floor, ceiling, or wall cavities can affect the temperature and climate in affected building areas, even beyond. During warmer months, the water-soaked insulation contributes moisture to the air, creating a more humid and damp environment. You may notice condensation on the interior side of windows or developing on walls. During the colder months, the extra water in wall cavities can cause frost to form on pipes, walls, and structural beams.

The severity of the break can also cause mold growth. Mold doesn’t need a lot to grow, only a humid, dark environment and a steady organic food source. A food source can include products made from plants or animals, including paper, fabric, insulation, wood, and more.

Because mold often develops in concealed building cavities, it is not one of the most visible signs of a burst pipe. In fact, you may notice the smell of mold before you see the first speck of it on a wall or ceiling surface. People often describe the odor as musty, earthy, stale, and pungent.

The problem with mold is there are thousands of varieties, some non-threatening but others toxic. As a property owner, you must ensure habitable and safe living conditions for your tenants. If you suspect mold growth stemming from a plumbing leak or break, call Sanitary Plumbing to assess your building.

4. Odd Stains and Wall Textures

A minor break or crack in a supply line may not cause noticeable water pressure or flow disruptions. Still, over time, the break will show up in other ways, including stains. Walls and ceilings usually use drywall as a finishing or structural layer inside a property. Drywall is a porous material, and when exposed to persistent leaks, the surface side of the material will show signs of water damage, typically brown rings or streaks.

This discoloration is less noticeable on painted surfaces, but other signs of a burst pipe persist. Your tenants, staff, or maybe yourself may notice paint or wallpaper that is bubbling, peeling, or cracking. The dampness of the drywall causes the paint or wallpaper to separate from the surface.

If the staining or bulges appear gradually, the leak is likely minor. Still, immediate action is necessary to prevent other issues, such as persistent mold and high utility bills. Call Sanitary Plumbing to inspect the property and repair any damage.

5. Interruptions to Hot Water Supplies

If a hot water supply line develops a crack or split, tenants may not receive adequate hot water for showers and other tasks. It is normal to assume the issue is with the hot water tank, but if the tank checks out, it is safe to assume there is a problem with the supply.

A break along the supply line can mean water is cooling off too much before reaching the tenant. If the water never heats up, your property may have other issues, like frozen pipes or trapped ice in the lines, which are also possible with breaks.

Diagnose All Signs of a Burst Pipe With Professional Inspections

Contact Sanitary Plumbing for More Information

The signs of a burst pipe are not always obvious. Avoid significant water losses and expenses by sticking to routine maintenance and inspection schedules for your plumbing system. Call Sanitary Plumbing at 212-734-5000 to request service and discuss our annual service contracts.