How to Know if Your Pipes Have Burst

To diagnose a burst pipe, check to see if the water pressure is less than normal.

If water supply pipes are not adequately insulated, they will burst in severely cold weather and potentially create serious damage to the property. Detecting the burst soon after it has happened will help ensure against expensive repair bills. Simple detection procedures include checking your water meter, looking for wet spots on the ground and finding damp patches in your home. If a leak is detected, it must be fixed immediately to prevent further damage.

Instructions

1. Turn on a faucet to see if the water pressure is less than normal. Then turn off all of the faucets in the home, as well as the water supply to the washing machine. Do not flush any toilets. Note the home's water meter reading with a pen and paper. Wait an hour then check the meter to see if the reading has changed. If it has, this points to the possibility of a leak.

2. Walk through each room in the house, as well as any basement/cellar area, and listen for the sound of running water or dripping.

3. Look for damp patches on the ground in the basement/cellar area. Also look for any damp patches on walls or ceilings in the home. If any are found, immediately turn the shutoff valve on the main water supply line off and call a plumber.

Tips & Warnings

• The water supply shutoff valve is usually located in the cellar/basement area and is attached to the main water supply line coming into the house.

References

• A Plumbers: How to Prevent a Burst Pipe
• "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; Christopher Cavanaugh; 1995