7 Warning Signs You Have a Burst Pipe (And What to Do Next)

A burst pipe rarely announces itself cleanly. More often you notice the aftermath — a damp patch on a ceiling, a strange dripping sound, or a water bill that’s suddenly double what it should be. By the time it’s obvious, damage has usually been building for days or weeks.

Here are the seven signs that something is wrong, and what to do the moment you spot them.

1. Unexplained damp patches on walls or ceilings

A stain spreading across a ceiling or a wall that feels cold and damp to the touch is the classic sign of water escaping where it shouldn’t. The leak may be well above or behind the visible patch — water travels along joists and pipework before finding a point to break through.

Don’t wait to see if it dries on its own. It won’t.

2. A sudden drop in water pressure

If your shower drops to a trickle or taps that normally run strong suddenly feel weak, there may be a leak somewhere in the supply pipework. Water is escaping before it reaches the tap.

Low pressure across all outlets at once is often a supply issue from Anglian Water — check with neighbours first. If only your property is affected, it’s more likely a leak on your side of the meter.

3. The sound of running water when everything is off

Turn off all taps and appliances that use water. Now listen. Any sound of running or dripping water is a clear sign of a leak somewhere in the system.

You can also read your water meter, wait 30 minutes without using any water, and read it again. If it’s moved, you have a leak.

4. Damp or wet patches on floors

Pools of water appearing near radiators, under sinks, or along skirting boards can indicate a burst pipe in the floor or a leak from a nearby fitting. Wooden floors that begin to warp or lift are a sign water has been sitting under them for some time.

5. Brown or discoloured water from taps

Rust or sediment in the water often means a pipe has corroded or fractured. It can also indicate a problem with the hot water cylinder. Either way, stop using that water for drinking or cooking until the cause is identified.

6. Higher water bills

Compare this month’s bill to the same period last year. A leak of just 1 litre per minute wastes 1,440 litres per day. That adds up on a metered supply.

Many households spot a hidden slow leak for the first time on their annual water statement.

7. Mould or mildew in unusual places

Mould growing inside a cupboard, under a bath panel, or along a wall where there’s no obvious source of humidity is nearly always water-related. It needs warmth and moisture — both present wherever a slow leak is running behind your walls.

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What to do if you suspect a burst pipe

Step 1 — turn off the water. Your main stopcock is usually under the kitchen sink, near the front door, or in the airing cupboard. Turn it clockwise to shut the water supply to your home.

Step 2 — turn off the boiler and immersion heater. Don’t run hot taps or heating when water supply is cut.

Step 3 — call a plumber immediately. A burst pipe is an emergency. Our 24/7 emergency plumbing team covers Northampton and a 30-mile radius — don’t leave it overnight hoping it resolves.

Step 4 — photograph the damage. Your insurance will likely cover escape of water — photographs taken immediately support your claim.

Step 5 — mop up water where you safely can. The more water you remove from floors and carpets quickly, the less damage spreads to floorboards and subfloor.

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Finding a burst pipe behind walls

If you can hear water but can’t see where it’s coming from, don’t start knocking walls. A qualified plumber using acoustic detection equipment can locate the source with precision — often without opening anything up at all.

We carry acoustic listening devices and thermal imaging cameras on all emergency call-outs. In most cases we can find a hidden leak and tell you exactly where it is before any wall is opened.

If you’re in Northampton or anywhere within our 30-mile coverage area and you suspect a burst pipe, call us on 0800 123456 — we answer 24/7 and aim to be with you within the hour.