There are a lot of joys involved with home ownership, but there are also scary moments where you need to know exactly what to do to protect your property. And a burst pipe is one of those things, and an outdoor pipe issue is just as important as an indoor one. In fact, an outdoor burst pipe can wreak even more havoc than one indoors and if you don’t address it immediately it can quickly spiral out of control.

What Kind of Pipes Would Run Through Your Backyard? 

There are a range of pipes located in your backyard, and it’s good to be aware of what you have so you know what to do if a problem arises.

·       Water Supply

Your clean water enters your home via the water supply line. Drinking water is supplied by the main water network in your area.

·       Downpipes

Downpipes are in control of carrying rainwater from the gutters into either the home’s rainwater tank if there is one, or the stormwater system.

·       Waste Pipes

The waste or sewer pipes carry waste and wastewater from the relevant fixture’s waste outlet to the local sewer line. If your pipes were laid before the 1960s, they are likely to be made of clay, copper or cast iron. Today’s waste pipes are white PVC.

·       Stormwater drainage

Stormwater drainage pipes work with gutters and drain to carry stormwater to the local stormwater system. Some homes may feature an onsite detention system that allows the water to slowly drain via a slow-release valve.

·       Recycled Water

Some homeowners have recycled water pipes to collect runoff water. This is treated and resupplied to residents for irrigation, toilet flushing, and lawn watering.

Reasons Why A Pipe Might Burst

·       Incorrect Installation

Whether it was installed incorrectly or using the wrong connection, if the job wasn’t done right, then burst pipes are a likely outcome.

·       Pressure

Tree roots, water pressure, and all sorts can result in burst pipes. A pipe can only take so much pressure or squeezing and when the force exceeds that, it will burst or crack. If you have water pressure issues or recognise a tree root problem, contact a plumbing service in the eastern suburbs for advice.

·       Age

Old pipes won’t last forever and can burst as a result of pressure, corrosion, weather, and more. If you have old pipes, you may want to seek out affordable plumbing in Sydney to begin the upgrade process.

·       Blockages

Whether it’s debris or a large object, water can’t travel through the pipe if there is a blockage. This can result in pressure resulting in burst pipes. If you run into an issue with blocked drains, call a reputable plumbing service for expert advice.

What To Do If A Pipe Bursts 

The first step is to quickly shut your water off at the mains. Find your water meter and shut it down. If there are no appliances running and your taps are off, a running metre indicates a burst pipe. 

With the water off, you can make sure the rest of your home is safe. You want to look for hazards like electrical fittings or appliances in contact with water. If there is any indication of this, turn the mains electricity off. 

Make sure your children and pets are out of harm’s way and contact an emergency plumber in the Sydney eastern suburbs. It doesn’t matter what day of the week it is or what time, Service Fox is a 24-hour plumber in the Sutherland Shire. The key to addressing any burst pipe is relying on licenced, fully-qualified plumbers as soon as possible. Leaks can cause significant damage, even if it’s outdoors. The longer you leave it, the greater the cost. 

How Service Fox Can Help 

Whether you need a plumber in Cronulla or an emergency plumber in the Eastern Suburbs, Service Fox can help. Our inner city plumbing crew can be with you in no time, reach out and contact us whether you need an emergency plumber in Sydney in the inner west or you would like to book an appointment for a consultation or quote.