According to QBE Insurance, burst or blocked pipes account for a staggering 46% of water damage claims in Australian properties. That’s nearly half of all cases, proof that damaged pipes are not just a small annoyance but a major threat to homes nationwide.
When pipes burst, they don’t just spill water. They can flood your floors, ruin walls, and soak carpets, leading to sky-high repair bills and wasted water. Worse still, hidden leaks can quietly rack up your water bill before you even spot the first damp patch.
So, what causes all this damage? Knowing the most common causes of pipe damage can help prevent burst water pipes, slow drainage, leaking pipes, and all the headaches that come with them. Let’s dive deep into the factors that weaken pipes, wreck a plumbing system, and how you can avoid costly pipe repairs down the line.
No pipe lasts forever. Over time, water pipes wear out thanks to constant exposure to minerals, the corrosion process, and plain old neglect. Metal pipes like copper pipes or galvanised steel can rust or suffer galvanic corrosion, especially if they’re connected to different pipe material types in the same piping system. Even plastic pipes aren’t immune older plastic can crack or warp after decades of use and exposure to extreme temperatures.
Some clear warning signs of corroded pipes include discoloured water coming from the tap, water stains under sinks, and drops in water pressure that leave your shower more dribble than downpour. Sometimes you might hear water hammer noises in the walls — that’s a clue your pipe joints might be under unnecessary stress.
The best way to stop aging pipes from turning into burst pipes is early detection. Regular maintenance checks by a professional plumber can reveal hidden leaks or corrosion before they cause a flood. If your pipes are pushing decades old, replacing them with modern materials like new copper or quality plastic pipes can boost water quality and reduce corrosion risks.
Nature has a sneaky way of messing with your plumbing system. Large trees, especially those with aggressive root systems like willows, poplars or liquid ambers, can send tree roots searching for moisture. Underground pipes become the perfect target. Once roots find a crack, they squeeze through, causing blockages, cracks and in worst cases, collapsed pipes.
Tree root intrusion doesn’t just block your pipes it can cause burst water pipes and major leaks under your lawn or driveway. Over time, you might notice slow drainage, uneven water pressure, or unexplained damp patches on your property. These are classic signs tree roots have invaded your underground pipes.
Preventing tree root damage starts with smart planting. Keep thirsty trees well away from your underground water supply lines. If you already have big trees near your home, schedule inspections to catch any sneaky roots early. Professional plumbers often use cameras to check for causes of pipe damage underground, saving you from surprise pipe repairs later on.
Ground beneath your home isn’t as still as it looks. Heavy rainfall, flooding, erosion, and minor earth tremors can cause soil shifting. This ground movement can place pressure on buried pipes, especially older metal pipes that aren’t flexible. The result? Cracks, leaks and burst pipes that appear out of nowhere.
Pipes that aren’t properly laid are more likely to suffer damage from shifting soil. Improper installation can leave gaps or weak points where pipe joints come under extra stress. Over time, this stress causes leaking pipes or even a complete break in your underground pipes.
Using flexible pipe materials and making sure your pipes are installed correctly by qualified plumbers can lower the risk. If your property is prone to soil erosion or sits on clay-rich ground that swells and shrinks, regular inspections are a must. They help spot pipe damage before ground movement turns small cracks into major bursts.
Most people love strong water pressure in the shower, but your pipes might not feel the same. Excessive water pressure puts constant strain on pipe joints and fittings. Over time, this stress can weaken pipes and cause leaks, pipe corrosion, or sudden bursts.
Signs of high water pressure include banging pipes (known as water hammer), leaking taps, and pipes that burst unexpectedly. You might even see your water meter spinning faster than usual, leading to an eye-watering water bill.
Installing a pressure regulator is a smart move. It keeps your water pressure within safe limits, protecting your entire plumbing system. If you’ve ever noticed uneven water pressure between different taps, it’s worth getting a plumber to check things out before high pressure becomes high drama.
A top-notch plumbing system starts with proper installation. Sadly, not every job is done by qualified plumbers. Poor installation can mean misaligned pipes, badly sealed joints or the wrong pipe material for the job. All these shortcuts set you up for pipe leaks, corrosion, and premature failure.
Improper installation often leads to hidden leaks behind walls or under floors, causing water damage and mould you might not notice until it’s too late. Exposed pipes in areas prone to freezing temperatures can also be overlooked, resulting in frozen pipes that burst when the water inside expands.
Choosing a licensed plumber who follows the Australian Standards for pipe installation is your best defence. It’s worth paying a bit more upfront for proper work than facing emergency plumbing services down the track because your pipes weren’t done right the first time.
Reaching for a drain cleaner might feel like the quickest fix for clogged pipes, but harsh chemical drain cleaners can do more harm than good. Many contain chemicals that eat away at pipe material, speeding up the corrosion process, weakening pipe joints, and creating leaks that cost more to fix than the original blockage.
Instead of pouring chemicals down the drain every time there’s slow drainage, try enzyme-based cleaners. These break down blockages gently without damaging the piping system. For stubborn blockages, it’s smarter to call a professional plumber they’ll clear clogged pipes properly without risking corrosion or hidden pipe leaks.
Sometimes, the biggest risk to your pipes is you. It’s surprisingly easy to cause damage with everyday mistakes. Hammering a nail into a wall without checking for hidden pipes can puncture your water supply line. Flushing wipes or foreign objects is another big one — clogged pipes often start with things that should never go down the toilet.
Another common error is ignoring small leaks or signs of dampness. A hidden leak might seem harmless now, but left unchecked, it can weaken pipes and cause bigger issues like mould or burst pipes later. Unattended pipe leaks also waste water and spike your water bill.
Keeping an eye out for early warning signs like discoloured water, uneven water pressure or damp patches can save you a fortune. A bit of caution now can prevent costly water damage later.
Putting off pipe repairs might seem like a money saver, but it usually costs more in the long run. Damaged pipes can flood your home, ruin walls and floors, and cause structural issues that require expensive repairs. Leaks also encourage mould and mildew, creating health risks for your family.
Hidden pipe leaks can quietly push your water bill through the roof. Worst of all, ignoring pipe corrosion or burst pipes can lead to emergency plumbing services at the worst possible time, often after hours, when costs skyrocket.
It might be tempting to grab some tape or a cheap hardware-store patch kit to stop a big leak, but this is one job best left to the pros. Quick DIY fixes rarely hold up under the water pressure inside a burst pipe. One wrong move and you could be knee-deep in water damage.
Instead, shut off the water meter and call a qualified plumber. They’ll inspect the damage properly and use professional methods to fix leaking pipes safely.
Keeping your pipes in good shape is easier when you have help. From spotting early signs of corrosion to dealing with tree root intrusion, professional plumbers have the tools and know-how to keep your plumbing system working at its best.
If you suspect your pipes are on their last legs or you’re facing blocked drains, water hammer, slow drainage, or leaks, don’t wait until you need emergency plumbing services. Call in an expert today for inspections, pipe repairs or regular maintenance. WP plumbing got you covered. You’ll protect your home, save money on future repairs, and enjoy better water quality all year round.
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