Burst and split pipe repairs
A burst pipe can put a lot of water where it shouldn't be in a short time. The good news is that you can usually stop the damage quickly yourself by turning off the water at the meter. Once it's under control, our licensed plumbers will find the damaged section, repair or replace it, and check the rest of the line for weak spots. Older homes around the eastern suburbs often still have original copper or galvanised steel pipework, which becomes more prone to splitting and pinhole leaks with age.
What causes pipes to burst
Ageing pipework
Old galvanised steel rusts from the inside, and older copper can develop pinholes and thin spots.
High water pressure
Pressure that's too high puts constant strain on pipes, joints and flexible hoses.
Failed flexi hoses
The braided hoses under sinks, vanities and toilets wear out and can burst without warning.
Physical damage
Nails or screws through walls, digging in the garden or tree roots shifting underground lines.
Corrosion and ground movement
Coastal air, soil conditions and shifting ground can all weaken pipes over time.
What to do right now
Follow these steps before you call, so you limit the damage while you wait for a plumber.
- Turn off the water at the meter. The main stop tap is usually near the front boundary, beside the water meter. Turn it clockwise until it stops.
- Switch off electricity if water is near power. If water is near power points, appliances or the switchboard, turn off power at the switchboard if it's safe to do so.
- Open a cold tap. This drains remaining water from the pipes and relieves pressure.
- Move valuables and soak up water. Lift rugs, furniture and electronics off wet floors and use towels to contain spread.
- Take photos. Pictures of the damage are useful for insurance and for showing us what happened.
- Call us. Ring 0401 758 373 and tell us what's happened and where the water is coming from.
How we repair burst pipes
Once we're on site, we find exactly where the pipe has failed. If it's visible, under a sink or in the garden, the repair is often straightforward. If it's inside a wall or under a floor, we'll use the signs of water damage and isolation of sections of pipework to narrow it down so we only open up what's necessary. Our leak detection page explains this in more detail.
We'll replace the damaged section with new pipe and fittings and pressure test the repair. If we find the rest of the line is in poor condition, for example badly corroded galvanised pipe, we'll let you know and talk through replacing more of it so you're not facing the same problem in another room next month.
High pressure is a common hidden cause. If your pressure is too high, a pressure limiting valve can reduce the strain on your pipes, taps and appliances.
Why Eastern Suburbs locals call us
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
- Free quotes, and a clear price before any work starts
- We're local to Matraville, so we know the older pipework common in homes across Sydney's eastern suburbs.
Common questions
Where is my water meter?
In most houses it's near the front boundary, often in the garden or beside the driveway. In units it may be in a meter room or cupboard. The stop tap is next to the meter.
Is a burst pipe covered by insurance?
That depends on your policy. Insurers usually want photos and details of the repair, so take pictures and keep our invoice.
Why do flexi hoses burst?
The rubber inner hose and braided outer layer wear out over time. Rust spots, fraying or bulges are signs a hose should be replaced.
Should I replace all my old pipes?
Not necessarily. We'll check the condition of the surrounding pipework and give you honest advice on whether a full replacement is worth it.
We repair burst pipes across Hillsdale, Malabar and Little Bay.