How to Fix a Burst Water Pipe

1. Conduct a Quick Inspection

If possible, try to identify where the burst water pipe leak is coming from, even if it is just a general area. It can also help to determine what caused the burst water pipe in the first place, such as high water pressure. This will save you and your plumber time later on.

If you are unable to locate a specific burst water pipe that is leaking, there is no need to worry, your plumber will be able to help.

2. Turn Off Your Water

The next step is to turn off your main water supply.

In many Australian homes, it is located towards the front of the property near the water meter, though yours may be located elsewhere. It is always a good idea to ensure that everyone in your household knows where the main valve is located - be it next to your water meter or otherwise - and how to turn it off in case of emergencies, like a burst water pipe.

Once you have turned off the water, the leak from the burst water pipe should stop quickly as the water drains from your pipes. To help things along, you can run taps and flush toilets to clear any water that remains in the pipes. This way, it won't keep leaking while you or your plumber work on the repairs.

Don't forget to turn off the taps after the water has stopped or it could cause a mess when your water is switched back on.

3. Repair Minor Damage

If you were able to locate the burst pipe during your quick inspection, go back and have a look at it to determine the extent of the damage to the pipe.

If the crack is small, you may be able to repair the damage on your own without needing the services of a plumber. You can fill the crack with pipe sealant, which you can find at your local home improvement store.

For small sections of pipe, it is often easier to simply replace the cracked segment.

Measure the diameter and length of the pipe before you go to the store, or bring the broken piece with you, to ensure the new piece you buy is the correct size. If you are handy around the house, you should be able to complete this minor repair on your own using your home plumbing tool kit.

Take care when tightening the nuts connecting the pipes not to over-tighten, as this can lead to future leaks. 

4. Get Help for Major Repairs

Your property's larger, main pipes are more complicated to repair due to their size and the fact that they serve multiple outlets throughout the building. It is a good idea to let a professional plumber handle this job, rather than trying to do it yourself, to ensure everything is done properly.

It is also smart to call in a plumber for any burst pipes that are underground or inside your walls or ceilings. They'll be able to get the job done quickly so that you can get things back to normal.

If you discover your burst pipe in the middle of the night, a 24-hour emergency plumber can help you out so that you don't have to wait until morning, risking water damage to your premises.

5. Remove Any Liquid Waste

Depending on the size of the burst water pipe and the amount of time before you were able to shut off the main water supply, you may have significant amounts of water pooling on your property or inside your home.

It is important to get rid of this water as soon as possible to minimise the risk of lasting damage to your home, building or yard. A liquid waste disposal professional can get as much water off your property as possible, then dispose of it in a safe and environmentally conscious manner.

This way, your property can start to dry quicker and prevent long-term water damage.

6. Bring in Professional Dryers

Any moisture remaining on your walls, ceilings and floors is an invitation to mould and mildew, which can create a health hazard for you and your loved ones or employees.

Opening your windows and putting a few fans in the area can help, but only on the surface.

For deeper water damage, you'll need to call in the professionals. A water damage restoration company will do a thorough job and ensure every area is safe. Until everything is completely dry, it is a good idea to turn off the power to any wet areas to protect against shocks.