Your water supply plumbing transports fresh water into your home, and any issues can disrupt this vital flow. However, leaks aren’t only happening visibly around faucets or underneath the sinks. They can also occur out of sight, deep within your main water line.
Recognizing the signs of a leak in this pivotal component of your home’s plumbing system can save you time, money, and a great deal of inconvenience. Here are six of the most common signs of a leak in your main water line, which can ensure you’re well-equipped to spot problems before they escalate.
1. Low Water Pressure
One particular fixture, such as the shower or kitchen faucet, could be at fault if you find that the water pressure is weak in one area. Sediment buildup could be the culprit in this case. But you should act quickly to fix the problem if the water level is low throughout the house.
When the main water line bursts, water starts leaking out, which lowers the volume and pressure of water in your house. This is known as low water pressure. A big shift in water pressure can be an indication of a major line leak.
2. Water Puddles
A broken underground pipe is probably the cause of those unsightly puddles you have been seeing in your yard. As a result, water may collect in unanticipated areas, such as your driveway, street, or lawn. It would be inadvisable to disregard these huge, mysterious water pools as they can lead to sinkholes in your property.
Additionally, you should look into any pools of water that appear in your home without a clear cause, particularly those that form under the drains or on the floor. These can indicate that there is a problem with the primary water line that passes beneath the house.
3. Unusual Increase in Water Expenses
You should look into the possible reasons if you have seen a sudden increase in your water bill. If your water bill keeps going up, it could be because of a breach in the water supply that is squandering precious water and adding extra money to your utility bills.
Looking for other symptoms of a leak might help you figure out whether your higher water bill is due to a ruptured main water line. Even if a leak is not obvious, you should always keep an eye on your water account for the following month just in case. You may be losing water through the main water line if it stays high for no apparent reason.
4. Discolored Water
A cloudy or reddish color in your water can result from impurities seeping into your water supply through a broken or cracked main water pipe that links to your public water supply. This is because the main line has opened up, allowing water to flow underground, and particles and dirt now make their way into your water source.
In addition to lowering the water quality, such an occurrence can also present health risks if consumed. Furthermore, corrosion can develop if a damaged water line is not addressed, which in turn might necessitate expensive repairs.
5. Plumbing Noises
If you hear hissing, whistling, as well as bubbling, it could be a sign of a water line leak. Be vigilant for even the slightest sounds, such as dripping or gurgling noise as they may indicate a ruptured main water line. However, keep in mind that not every water leak produces a loud noise.
6. Structural Damage
Foundation cracks can form when water seeps under a building from a broken main water pipe. Because it is porous, concrete loses strength as it absorbs water. Water seeping into the concrete can weaken the building’s framework and lead to costly repairs.
These fissures, which can range in size and intensity, are visible on the exterior of the foundation. That means the building’s structural integrity could be at risk, which means occupants are in danger.
Contact us at Spartan Plumbing Inc for plumbing repairs and maintenance services in Tacoma, WA, and the surrounding areas.
