Burst Pipe or Water Leak?
Find the Problem and Get It Fixed Properly.
Whether you’ve got water coming from an obvious burst pipe or signs of a leak you can’t quite locate, the first job is working out where it’s coming from and what’s actually failed. I’ll investigate the problem, explain what I find, and repair the pipe where it’s within the scope of what I do.
LOCAL FAMILY BUSINESS | Speak directly with Dan | Honest advice and practical solutions
Two common water leak situations
I have an obvious leak or burst pipe
Water spraying from a pipe, leaking under a sink, running from a wall or pooling where it shouldn't be? If the source is visible or accessible, I can assess the damage and work out what needs repairing.
I think I have a leak, but I can't see where it's coming from
Damp patches, water appearing somewhere unexpectedly, or signs of moisture without an obvious source can take a bit more investigation. I'll work through the likely plumbing causes and narrow down where the problem is coming from before deciding what needs to happen next.
What to do if you've got a burst pipe
If water is actively escaping from a burst pipe, turn off your property’s main water supply if you can do so safely. This can significantly reduce water damage while you’re waiting for the repair.
Once the water is under control, give me a call and tell me what’s happened. If you’re not sure where your main shut-off valve is, let me know.
1. Turn off the water
Shut off the property's main water supply if it is safe and accessible.
2. Limit further damage
Move belongings away from the affected area where practical.
3. Call and explain what happened
Tell me where the water is appearing and what you can see.
Signs you might have a water leak
Not every leak announces itself with water pouring across the floor.
Damp or wet patches
Water appearing on walls, ceilings, floors or around cabinetry.
Water where it shouldn't be
Unexpected pooling or moisture around plumbing fixtures or pipework.
Mould or musty areas
Persistent moisture can sometimes show up as mould, staining or a musty smell.
Peeling or damaged surfaces
Paint, plaster or finishes changing around an area where plumbing runs.
Sounds of running water
Hearing water when fixtures aren't being used can be worth investigating.
Unexplained water usage
If water use changes noticeably without an obvious reason, a plumbing leak is one possibility worth checking.
Damp or wet patches
Water appearing on walls, ceilings, floors or around cabinetry.
Water where it shouldn't be
Unexpected pooling or moisture around plumbing fixtures or pipework.
Mould or musty areas
Persistent moisture can sometimes show up as mould, staining or a musty smell.
Peeling or damaged surfaces
Paint, plaster or finishes changing around an area where plumbing runs.
Sounds of running water
Hearing water when fixtures aren't being used can be worth investigating.
Unexplained water usage
If water use changes noticeably without an obvious reason, a plumbing leak is one possibility worth checking.
Finding where the water is coming from
Some leaks are obvious. Others aren’t.
I start with the plumbing itself and the signs around the affected area to narrow down where the water could be coming from. Depending on the situation, I can also use a thermal camera to help identify temperature patterns that may indicate where moisture or a plumbing problem is affecting an area.
A thermal camera doesn’t magically see through walls or pinpoint every leak. It’s another piece of information that can help narrow down what’s happening without immediately opening up surfaces unnecessarily.
If finding the source requires specialist leak detection equipment beyond what I use, I’ll tell you. I’d rather point you in the right direction than start opening walls or floors based on a guess.
Thermal imaging is one diagnostic tool
It can help show temperature differences, but it does not see through walls or guarantee the exact leak location.
Once I find the problem, what happens next?
That depends on where the leak is and what’s actually failed.
An accessible damaged section of pipe may be relatively straightforward to repair or replace. A problem behind a wall, under a floor or underground may require access before the damaged section can be repaired.
I’ll explain what I’ve found, what needs to be accessed and what the repair involves before unnecessary work starts.
Accessible pipe or fitting
Repair or replace the failed section where practical.
Concealed pipe
Work out the likely affected area before opening surfaces unnecessarily.
Needs specialist detection
I'll tell you when the job needs equipment beyond what I use.
Why pipes start leaking
Pipes and fittings can fail for plenty of reasons. Sometimes it’s sudden. Sometimes the problem develops slowly over time.
Age and corrosion
Older pipework and fittings can deteriorate and eventually begin leaking.
Damaged fittings or connections
A failed joint, fitting, valve or connection can allow water to escape.
Accidental damage
Drilling, renovations, landscaping or other work around concealed plumbing can damage a pipe.
Movement
Movement around the building or pipework can place stress on pipes and connections.
High pressure or plumbing faults
Excessive pressure and other plumbing problems can contribute to failures.
External damage
Underground or exposed pipework can sometimes be damaged by surrounding conditions or physical impact.
Age and corrosion
Older pipework and fittings can deteriorate and eventually begin leaking.
Damaged fittings or connections
A failed joint, fitting, valve or connection can allow water to escape.
Accidental damage
Drilling, renovations, landscaping or other work around concealed plumbing can damage a pipe.
Movement
Movement around the building or pipework can place stress on pipes and connections.
High pressure or plumbing faults
Excessive pressure and other plumbing problems can contribute to failures.
External damage
Underground or exposed pipework can sometimes be damaged by surrounding conditions or physical impact.
Repair the damaged section,
not more than necessary.
A water leak doesn’t automatically mean pulling apart half the house.
The aim is to narrow down where the problem is, get enough access to repair the damaged pipe properly, and avoid unnecessary disruption wherever possible.
You’re dealing directly with me, so I’ll show you what I’ve found and explain what needs to happen before the repair goes ahead.
Investigate before opening surfaces
Explain what I find
Refer specialist detection when needed
Burst pipe and leaking pipe repairs
Burst pipe repairs
For pipes that have split or failed and are actively leaking.
Leaking pipe repairs
Repairing accessible damaged pipes, fittings and connections.
Suspected water leaks
Investigating plumbing-related signs when the source isn't immediately obvious.
Thermal camera investigation
Using thermal imaging where appropriate as one tool to help narrow down the affected area.
Concealed pipe problems
Assessing leaks behind or around walls, cabinetry and other surfaces where practical.
Water pipe replacement
Replacing damaged sections of water pipe when repair alone isn't appropriate.
Burst pipe repairs
For pipes that have split or failed and are actively leaking.
Leaking pipe repairs
Repairing accessible damaged pipes, fittings and connections.
Suspected water leaks
Investigating plumbing-related signs when the source isn't immediately obvious.
Thermal camera investigation
Using thermal imaging where appropriate as one tool to help narrow down the affected area.
Concealed pipe problems
Assessing leaks behind or around walls, cabinetry and other surfaces where practical.
Water pipe replacement
Replacing damaged sections of water pipe when repair alone isn't appropriate.
Burst pipe and water leak repairs across Adelaide's western and coastal suburbs
Wakeline Plumbing is based in Taperoo and provides burst pipe and water leak repairs across Adelaide’s western and coastal suburbs.
Taperoo • Osbourne • Largs Bay • North Haven • Semaphore • Port Adelaide • West Lakes • Henley Beach • Woodville and surrounding areas.
If you’ve got an active leak, call Dan directly and let him know what’s happening.
Burst Pipe & Water Leak FAQs
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
If water is actively escaping, turn off the main water supply to the property if you can safely access it. This can help limit water damage until the pipe can be assessed and repaired.
How do I know if I have a hidden water leak?
Damp patches, unexplained moisture, staining, mould, sounds of running water or an unexplained change in water usage can all be reasons to investigate. These signs don’t necessarily confirm a plumbing leak, so the source still needs to be checked.
Can you find a leak behind a wall?
I can investigate the plumbing and surrounding signs to narrow down where a leak may be coming from. I also have a thermal camera that can help identify temperature patterns in some situations. If the problem requires specialist leak detection equipment, I’ll tell you.
Can a thermal camera find a water leak?
A thermal camera can sometimes help identify temperature differences associated with moisture or leaking plumbing, but it doesn’t see through walls or guarantee the exact location of a leak. I use it as one diagnostic tool alongside the plumbing inspection.
Do you repair leaking water pipes?
Yes. I repair damaged water pipes, fittings and connections where the problem can be identified and accessed appropriately.
Why has my water pipe suddenly burst?
Pipes can fail because of age, corrosion, damaged fittings, movement, excessive pressure, accidental damage or deterioration over time. The cause depends on the pipe and where the failure has occurred.
Do you offer specialist leak detection?
I investigate plumbing leaks using normal plumbing diagnosis and thermal imaging where appropriate. I don’t offer specialist acoustic or tracer-gas leak detection. If your situation needs specialist equipment, I’ll tell you rather than recommend unnecessary exploratory work.
Do I need to open the wall to repair a leaking pipe?
Not necessarily. The first step is narrowing down where the problem is. If the damaged pipe is concealed behind a finished surface, some access may eventually be necessary, but the aim is to identify the likely area before opening anything unnecessarily.
What areas do you service?
Wakeline Plumbing is based in Taperoo and services Adelaide’s western and coastal suburbs, including Largs Bay, North Haven, Semaphore, Port Adelaide, West Lakes, Henley Beach, Woodville and surrounding areas.
Got Water Where
It Shouldn't Be?
Whether you’ve found the burst pipe already or you’re trying to work out where the water is coming from, give me a call and tell me what’s happening.
I’ll investigate what I can, explain what I find and tell you straight if the problem needs something beyond the equipment I use.
Request a callback
Tell us where the water is appearing, whether the leak is active, and anything you’ve already noticed. Dan will get back to you.
Phone: 0403 626 998
Email: contact@wakelineplumbingsolutions.com.au
Licensed & insured plumber
ABN: 25204084108
LICENSE: PGE 307434