Who to Call if you see a Burst Water Main
Here’s the thing. A burst water main is like a sudden flood in your neighbourhood’s underground pipes. It’s when water pipes crack open, spewing water everywhere.
It can happen for various reasons, like old pipes, extreme weather, or construction mishaps. But when it occurs, it’s crucial to act fast. Think of it like a leaky faucet but on a much bigger scale.
So, who do you call when you spot one? Stick around because I will guide you through exactly what to do in this situation.
TM Plumbing has been servicing the Melbourne community for years, handling all plumbing emergencies, including burst water mains.
With our expertise and dedication, we’re here to ensure that you know exactly who to call and what steps to take to address this issue promptly and effectively. Let’s dive in.
What Causes a Burst Water Main?
So, what causes a burst water main?
Did you know that 46% of water damage in Australia accounts for burst pipes, according to a survey conducted by QBE.
Well, based on our experience, there are a few reasons why those pipes underground might crack open:
Getting old: Water mains, like everything else, age with time. They can also wear down with age, increasing their likelihood of bursting.
Corrosion: This is when the pipes begin to rust or degrade due to the materials around them. It weakens them, and eventually, they may give up.
Moving Earth: Earthquakes and construction operations can cause ground changes. When this happens, it can strain the pipes and cause cracks.
Freezing Cold: The water inside your pipes may freeze if you reside in a cold climate. When water freezes, it expands, putting a lot of pressure on pipes and causing them to burst.
Pressure Issues: A rapid shift in water pressure might stress out the pipes and lead them to fail.
Unsafe Materials: If the pipes aren’t well-made or have flaws, they may not last as long as expected.
Root Trouble: Believe it or not, tree roots can also cause problems. They enjoy crawling into subterranean pipes in search of water, which can cause them to break.
Unwanted Accidents: Accidents can happen when someone digs in the wrong area and accidentally hits the pipes, causing them to burst.
Signs of a Burst Water Main
Noticing signs of a burst water main early can save you from potential water damage and inconvenience.
Here are some common indicators to watch out for:
Water Pooling: One of the most obvious indications is water gathering in places where it should not be, such as the street or your garden.
Low Water Pressure: If your faucets suddenly lose water pressure, there could be a leak in the main water line.
Discoloured Water: Rusty or muddy water flowing from your taps indicates a potential problem with the water main.
Unexplained Water Bills: A significant increase in your water bill without a commensurate increase in usage could indicate water loss due to a burst main.
Puddles or Wet Spots: Watch out for unusual wet patches in your basement, driveway or yard, which could indicate a leak in the main line.
Signs of a Burst Water Main
Ignoring a burst water main can lead to several serious consequences:
Water Damage:
The longer a ruptured water main stays unreported and untreated, the more water will flow into the surrounding area. This can cause extensive damage to roads, pavements, buildings, and even houses, resulting in costly repairs and structural difficulties.
Disruptions of Services:
A ruptured water main can reduce water supplies to nearby homes, businesses, and public services. This can cause discomfort for people and businesses, interrupt daily routines, and even influence important services such as hospitals and schools.
Environmental Impact
Excess water from a ruptured water main can seep into the soil and surrounding bodies of water, causing environmental damage. It can cause erosion, soil contamination, and damage to aquatic ecosystems, upsetting the natural balance of the environment.
Financial Costs
Ignoring a burst water main can lead to costly repairs, water loss, property damage, and possibly legal issues. Furthermore, towns may suffer costs for emergency response and infrastructure maintenance.
Immediate Steps to Take When a Pipe Burst
Rapid action is required to limit damage and maintain safety when a pipe explodes. Here are the actions to take:
Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve and turn it off to stop the water flow. This will help to prevent future flooding and water damage.
Assess the Situation
Take a minute to examine the extent of the damage and see if there are any immediate safety concerns, such as electrical appliances or structures submerged in water.
Evacuate if Necessary
If the burst pipe has produced considerable flooding or threatens your safety, leave the damaged area and seek higher ground. Make certain that everyone in your household is safe and accounted for.
Protect Belongings
Remove precious goods and electrical items from the flooded area to avoid further damage if it is safe. Soak up extra water using towels, buckets, or mops while protecting furniture and flooring.
Call for Professional Assistance
Call a licenced plumber or an emergency plumbing agency to inspect the damage and repair the burst pipe immediately. They have the necessary skills and equipment to manage the problem safely and successfully.
Document the Damage
Take pictures or videos of the damage caused by the burst pipe for insurance purposes. Documenting the amount of the damage can facilitate the claims process and guarantee that you receive adequate reimbursement for repairs.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
Notify your homeowner’s insurance provider of the burst pipe and start the claims procedure. To expedite the resolution, provide them with thorough information and documentation of the harm.
Stay Safe and Patient
While you wait for professional help, prioritise your safety and avoid approaching flooded areas whenever possible. Be patient and follow the instructions of emergency responders and plumbing professionals to guarantee a quick and effective resolution.
Who to Call in Case of a Burst Water Main
In case of a burst water main, contacting the appropriate authorities and professionals is important to address the situation promptly. Here’s who you should call:
Local Water Utility Company:
The first step is to call your local water provider or water department. They are in charge of supervising and maintaining the water mains in your area. They will assign a crew to inspect the problem and take the required steps to fix the burst water main.
Emergency Services:
If the ruptured water main threatens public safety, such as flooding highways or creating dangerous circumstances, call 911 or your local emergency hotline. They can manage the reaction and offer assistance as needed.
Local Authorities:
Inform your municipality or city officials about the burst water main. They may need to organise road closures, traffic management, or other public safety precautions in the impacted area.
Plumbing Professionals:
While the water utility provider will handle water main repairs, you may need to hire a licenced plumber to inspect the damage to your property’s plumbing system. They can help discover any leaks or structural difficulties caused by the ruptured water main and repair it.
Neighbourhood and Community:
It’s also a good idea to notify your neighbours and community members about the ruptured water main, especially if it affects many houses or threatens public safety. Collaborating with your neighbours helps provide a coordinated response and mutual support during an emergency.
Preventive Measures for Burst Water Mains
Preventing burst water mains involves proactive measures to maintain the integrity of the water supply infrastructure.
Here are some preventive measures:
Conserve water.
Be conscious of your water consumption habits to avoid strain on the water supply system. Simple activities such as correcting leaks, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances can reduce water pressure and the likelihood of bursts.
Monitor water pressure.
Purchase a water pressure gauge to check the pressure in your home’s plumbing system. If you detect exceptionally high water pressure, consider installing a pressure-reducing valve to avoid putting undue strain on pipes.
Protect your pipes in cold weather.
Insulate exposed pipes, particularly those in unheated places such as basements, attics, and crawl spaces, to keep them from freezing during cold weather. Allow faucets to leak slightly to keep water flowing and minimise the chance of freezing.
Avoid planting trees near waterlines.
To avoid root incursion while landscaping your property, consider planting trees or plants near underground water pipes. Tree roots can penetrate pipelines over time, causing blockages and damage.
Report signs of water leaks promptly.
Keep an eye out for indicators of a water leak, such as damp areas, mould growth, or unusually high water bills. Call a plumber immediately if you suspect a leak in your home or see water accumulating in your yard.
Practice safe digging.
If you need to dig on your property for landscaping or construction projects, contact 811 or your local utility locator service first to get underground utilities marked. This can help to avoid accidental damage to water mains and other utility lines.
Educate yourself and others.
Learn about the location of water mains on your property and how to turn off the water supply in an emergency. Share this knowledge with family members and neighbours so they can respond effectively to water main difficulties.
Support infrastructure investments.
Advocate for infrastructure improvements in your town to replace ageing water mains and increase the dependability and resilience of the water supply network. Participate in local projects and advocate for policies prioritising infrastructure maintenance and upgrading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regular inspection and maintenance, replacement of ageing infrastructure, pressure management, root control, cold weather protection, emergency response planning, public awareness and education, and infrastructure upgrades are all examples of preventive methods for burst water mains.
The time it takes to repair a burst water main depends on several factors, including the magnitude of the damage, accessibility of the area, and the availability of repair staff. In some circumstances, repairs can be performed in a few hours. Still, more significant damage may necessitate many days of effort.
Yes, a burst water main can cause significant property damage, including flooding, structural damage, and mould growth. Mitigating damage immediately and contacting professionals for repairs as soon as possible are essential.
