Why Pipes Burst: The Eight Causes Behind Sydney's Broken Pipes

A Burst Pipe rarely happens without warning. Burst pipes typically occur over time, due to stress or hidden damage in the plumbing system. The burst may be sudden, but it’s likely not for a sudden reason.

The question is why do pipes burst? In Sydney, it is frequently caused by ageing Water Pipes, high water pressure, corrosion, tree roots or ground movements. Also, if the pipes are exposed, cold weather or freezing temperatures can also cause the water pipes to burst in exposed areas.

This knowledge could save you from expensive repairs and replacements. Also, it gives you an opportunity to prevent small issues from becoming much larger problems.

This guide describes the 8 most frequent causes of pipe failures, the indicators to watch and what Sydney homeowners, landlords and property managers can do to safeguard their water.

1. Ageing Galvanized Iron Pipes

One of the biggest causes of burst water pipes in older Sydney homes is ageing galvanized iron pipework. Parts of these pipes are still buried in walls or underground in many old homes (pre-1970s).

Over time, the insides of the pipe slowly waste away as a result of pipe corrosion. The rust accumulates, the opening shrinks and water flow decreases. Meanwhile, the wall of the pipe gets thinner and weaker. Eventually, even normal water use can lead to a pipe break.

The hard part is that it is typically concealed. It is possible for a pipe to appear to be in perfect condition on the outside, yet be suffering severe corrosion on the inside.

Some signs to look out for are:

• Slowly decreasing water pressure over a number of years.
• Water with brown or rusty appearance from taps.
• Recurrent small leaks.
• Wet areas around aged pipework.
• Regular plumbing repairs in a given area.

If you still have original galvanized pipes in your house, you should consider getting them checked out. When an old section bursts, the damage done is generally far more expensive than when you check them earlier on. Before the damage occurs, call Premium Sydney Plumbers to help.

2. High Water Pressure Puts Pipes Under Constant Stress

Many people think increased water pressure is better than low pressure. This is untrue as too much water pressure can put strain on the entire plumbing system.

That extra force is felt by every tap, joint and fitting all day long. Over time, even good quality copper pipes or the latest plastic pipes may become weak as a result of high pressure.

The easiest way to check this is by using a water pressure gauge — also known as a pressure gauge. It connects to an outdoor tap and indicates if your home’s water pressure is above the recommended level.

A licensed plumber may decide to install a pressure-reducing valve if the reading is continually high to protect the system.

The signs of high pressure are usually small and appear before a rupture occurs. You might notice small leaks in tapware, dripping valves, pipes that make noise or flexible hoses that fail more frequently than they should.

These problems can be easily ignored but they can indicate a more serious problem with the entire plumbing system.

Reducing the pressure does not only reduce the risk of a pipe bursting but also prolongs the life of your appliances, fittings and water pipes.

3. Water Hammer Can Gradually Harm Pipes

If you hear a loud bang after you have turned off a tap or when the washing machine fills, then you probably are listening to a water hammer. It happens when water suddenly stops moving and the shock of the force moves through the plumbing system.

A single or double shock would definitely cause any problems. However, the problem surfaces when it occurs daily for years. This repeated hammering can cause joints to loosen, fittings to damage, and even pipes to burst.

Higher water pressure in the house or longer lengths of pipework without support can make the problem worse. The movement adds additional strain on the whole system.

A licensed plumber can typically fix the issue by:

• Installing water hammer arrestors.
• Tightening or fixing pipes that are loose or have shifted.
• Reducing pressure in the water supply.
• Changing worn valves/fittings.

4. Soil Movement Can Damage Underground Pipes

Not all bursts occur inside the house. In some cases the soil underneath the house is to blame.

Much of Sydney is built on reactive clay soils. The ground shrinks when it is dry and it expands following heavy rain. The perpetual motion puts pressure on underground water pipes, particularly older pipes.

While small movements might appear insignificant, they can ultimately cause joints to separate or buried pipes to crack over time. A small leak then wash away into the rest of the soil, magnifying the effects of the damage.

Indications of an underground issue are:

• Moist areas of the garden that do not dry out.
• Rapid rise in water bills.
• Decreased water pressure within the house.
• Water pooling around the water meter.
• Areas of copious grass growth which are not explained.

If the leak is not found, thousands of litres of water could be wasted. It can also lead to expensive water damage to your home if the repairs are not completed in a timely fashion.

5. Tree Roots and Outdoor Pipes Don't Always Mix

Tree roots are commonly known to cause damage to sewer lines and they can do the same to your water lines.

The roots of trees thicken and grow stronger with age. The pressure from them against buried pipes can over time cause a pipe to crack, or cause joints to separate. The biggest danger occurs when large trees are planted near older water lines.

Also exposed pipework around the yard should be looked at. Garden activity, damage from vehicles or by accident can damage pipes connected to outdoor faucets. The exposed areas are also more susceptible in winter if water freezes during winter.

For large established trees that are near your property, regular plumbing inspections may help you notice issues before they become a huge water pipe break. To avoid re-installing pipework in the same high-risk area, Premium Sydney Plumbers will often suggest rerouting the pipework if possible.

6. Cold Weather Can Make Exposed Pipes Freeze

While Sydney does not experience long, harsh winters, some of the western suburbs do experience freezing temperatures in winter. Cold weather can be a problem when the pipes are frozen.

When water freezes within a pipe, it expands in pressure as there is restricted space for the water to expand. The pipe can burst when the ice freezes or, as the ice thaws and water starts flowing, it might split. Many people find a leak in the morning, due to this.

Pipe close to exterior walls, garages and roof spaces are more vulnerable to freezing temperatures than pipes within the home. Water pipes that supply an outdoor hot water heater may also be in danger.

Basic safety practices will get you a long way. Exposed piping can be protected from freezing by pipe wrap insulation, foam lagging or even bubble wrap. Running central heating at a frozen temperature overnight where possible also decreases the risk.

In the case of frozen water pipes, do not use an open flame. A hair dryer or space heater will heat the pipe slowly and much more safely.

7. Copper Pipes Can Develop Small Leaks

Modern copper pipes are dependable yet they can still be compromised. Small areas of wear can occur inside the pipe over the years and form tiny holes.

This can be caused by high water velocities, substandard installation or persistent water pressure issues. The first indication is commonly a pinhole leak, which is not as severe as a complete fracture.

Watch for:

• Green stains on uncovered copper pipes.
• Walls or ceilings that are damp.
• Water that is persistent and recurring.
• An odour that cannot be identified and is unpleasant.
• A gradual drop in water pressure.

But, not all small leaks indicate that all pipes must be replaced. If the leaks are occurring in various locations, however, then there could be a larger problem with the plumbing system.

A licensed plumber will know whether it is a simple repair or if there is a need to upgrade parts of the system to prevent the risk of another water pipe burst.

8. Poor Installation and DIY Repairs

Age is not the only reason for pipe breaks. Some occur as a result of the original installation being incomplete or because previous repairs were not carried out to an Australian standard.

Unsupported pipework, faulty connections and loose fittings can all reduce the lifespan of a plumbing system. A minor error can cause problems that can only be seen years later, when it becomes a leak or burst.

Sometimes homeowners will put several different materials together in their renovated homes. If these are not joined correctly, problems can develop over time. Older buildings may also strain pipes that were made for lower water usage.

A licensed plumber can reduce these risks. Premium Sydney Plumbers offer 24/7 burst pipe repairs, but knowing the cause of the problem is key.

Correcting the cause of the failure will prevent further repairs, help avoid additional water damage restoration costs, and also decrease the danger of another plumbing disaster that calls for emergency plumbing services.

Why the Type of Pipe Matters

The material used for pipe making has a great influence on pipe aging. Some materials will have few issues and can last for decades, while other materials will be more prone to failure over the years.

A number of older Sydney houses still have galvanized iron pipes. Typically, these pipes corrode from within which renders them more susceptible to leakages or even burst.

Copper piping or plastic piping are more likely to be found in homes built more recently. These materials are normally more durable, but there are numerous reasons for failure, including high water pressures, inadequate installation or accidental damage.

After you identify what kind of pipe is in your house, it will be easier to plan a pipe maintenance strategy. A problem can occur in older plumbing without anyone realizing it, and it can be discovered before it becomes a major issue by calling in a professional to inspect the plumbing.

It is often much cheaper to change the water pipe at the right time than it will be to deal with the water damage and burst pipe.

How to handle a pipe break

A quick response can minimize repairing expenses and possible water damage.

If you do find a burst pipe, follow this procedure:

• Turn off the water supply at the water meter.
• Run the cold tap to let off pressure.
• Switch off electricity if water is close to electrical outlets or appliances.
• Move furniture and valuables from the affected area.
• When you need emergency plumbing, contact Premium Sydney Plumbers for plumbing hire in Sydney.

Once the critical plumbing work is complete, water damage restoration can begin should the floor, walls or ceiling in the room be waterlogged.

Conclusion

Pipes give warning signs before they eventually burst. Tree roots, ground movement and freezing weather, as well as age and corrosion, are all signs that happen long before failure occurs.

Knowing the reason pipe bursts can help you determine the issue in time, saving you from a lot of costly plumbing repair bills. Whether it is testing the pressure or replacing the old pipe, or fixing a small leak before it becomes a major leak, early diagnosis and treatment is almost always less expensive.

Premium Sydney Plumbers can locate a hidden leakage and make a permanent repair to your water pipe if you suspect it, or if you need a water pipe break fixed as soon as possible, they can help.