Burst leaking pipes are the kind of plumbing emergency that can turn a calm day into a stressful mess. Whether it’s water flooding your lawn, soaking your garden beds, or creeping toward your house, the damage can be significant.
Below, we’ll walk you through the immediate steps to take, quick DIY solutions to help control the damage, more permanent repairs you can try yourself, and when it’s best to call in the experts at Good Hands Plumbing.
Immediate Emergency Steps
Before reaching for tools, your first priority is to stay safe and limit the damage.
1. Shut Off Your Water Supply
As soon as you discover the burst water pipe outside the house, turn off your main water supply. This is often located near your water meter, typically at the front boundary of your property. Shutting it off stops water from continuing to flow into the broken pipe and helps reduce water damage.
Tip: Everyone in your household should know where this shut-off valve is and how to use it.
2. Drain Remaining Water
Once the water supply is off, turn on nearby outdoor taps. This helps relieve pressure in the pipes and drains any remaining water, reducing the chance of further leakage.
3. Protect Your Property
Water spreads fast, especially if your yard slopes toward buildings. Use sandbags, tarps, or buckets to divert water away from your home, shed, or landscaping. Quick action here can prevent costly damage to structures and your garden.
Quick Temporary Fixes
If you can’t get a plumber for your burst pipe repair right away, or just want to minimise the leak until help arrives, these DIY fixes can make a big difference.
Pipe Repair Tape or Rubber Patch
Wrap self-fusing silicone repair tape tightly around the damaged area. Alternatively, a piece of rubber secured with a hose clamp can work as a patch. These methods aren’t long-term solutions, but they’ll stop or slow the leak for now.
Compression Fittings
For a more solid temporary burst pipe fix, use compression fittings to bridge the broken section. Cut out the burst portion and insert the coupling.
Epoxy or Waterproof Sealant
For hairline cracks or pinhole leaks, epoxy putty or waterproof sealant can be applied. Make sure the pipe is clean and dry, and follow the product’s instructions carefully, allowing for full curing.
Temporary Pipe Sleeves or Repair Clamps
U-shaped clamps with rubber liners can be tightened over the damaged area. This provides a strong, temporary seal, especially for larger cracks or weakened pipe walls.
Permanent DIY Repairs
If you’re confident working with pipes and have the right tools, you may be able to implement a permanent burst pipe fix yourself.
Replace the Damaged Pipe Section
Cut out the damaged pipe using a pipe cutter or hacksaw. Measure and install a new section of pipe using compatible couplings. The type of connection depends on your pipe material—PVC cement for plastic, compression fittings for metal.
Use Compression Fittings for Replacement
Compression joints are a reliable, solder-free way to connect new pipe sections. Slide on the nut and compression ring, insert the pipe, and tighten. This method is effective for outdoor pipes exposed to the elements.
When DIY Isn’t Enough: Call a Professional
Some burst pipe repairs are too complex or risky to handle alone. That’s where Good Hands Plumbing comes in.
Large or Hidden Bursts
If a pipe bursts underground, under a concrete slab, or in another place that’s difficult to access, it’s best to leave the repair to professionals. We have the tools and expertise to locate and fix the issue efficiently.
Water Damage, Mould, or Pooling
If water has started pooling near your home or if you notice mould, damp smells, or shifting ground, it’s a sign that the problem goes beyond the pipe itself. Proper remediation is essential to avoid long-term damage.
Use of Pipe Relining or Leak Detection
Good Hands Plumbing offers modern solutions like trenchless pipe relining and CCTV leak detection, ideal for difficult-to-reach or fragile plumbing systems.
High Water Pressure or Corrosion Issues
Recurring pipe bursts could indicate water pressure that’s too high or old pipes that are corroding. A professional plumber can diagnose and fix these systemic issues.
Preventing Future Bursts
Once the emergency is handled, focus on preventing it from happening again.
Routine Inspection and Maintenance
Check your outdoor plumbing annually for signs of corrosion, root intrusion, or damage. Catching small issues early can prevent major failures later.
Pressure Regulation
Install a pressure-limiting valve if you haven’t already. This reduces the strain on your pipes and can extend their lifespan significantly.
Insulate Exposed Pipes
Even in relatively warm climates, temperature swings can stress outdoor pipes. Insulating them helps prevent cracking due to thermal expansion or freezing.
Remove Tree Root Intrusion
Roots can grow into pipes in search of moisture. If this has happened before, consider replacing with root-resistant piping or rerouting the line. Regular root management also helps.
Choosing Good Hands Plumbing for Burst Pipe Repairs
When it comes to burst pipe repairs in Sydney, Good Hands Plumbing is the team you can trust. We’re prompt, experienced, and fully licensed. Whether the issue is minor or major, accessible or buried deep underground, we’ll find the right solution and make sure it’s fixed properly the first time.
Call us today on 02 9195 6989 or enquire online. Your home’s plumbing is in good hands.
FAQs
What should I do first when I notice a burst outdoor pipe?
Turn off the main water supply immediately to stop the flow and minimise damage.
Can I temporarily fix a burst pipe myself?
Yes. Burst pipe fixes like repair tape, clamps, or epoxy putty can help control the leak until a plumber can complete a proper repair.
How do I know if the pipe is burst or just leaking?
Signs of a burst pipe include water pooling in your yard, unusual hissing sounds, or a sudden drop in water pressure.
Is a burst pipe an emergency?
Yes. Burst pipes can cause rapid damage and should be addressed as soon as possible.
Can a burst pipe cause damage to my foundation or garden?
Definitely. Water can undermine foundations, create sinkholes, and promote mould or plant root damage if left unchecked.
How much does it cost to repair a burst outdoor pipe in Sydney?
Prices vary, but expect anywhere from $200 to $1000+, depending on the location, materials, and severity of the damage. Contact us for a free quote.
Will home insurance cover a burst pipe?
It depends on your policy. Many insurers cover sudden bursts but may exclude damage from neglected maintenance. Always check your coverage details.
How can I prevent my outdoor pipes from bursting again?
Regular maintenance, proper insulation, water pressure regulation, and root management are the best prevention strategies.
