You depend on the main water line to supply your home with clean water. When this line breaks, you might not immediately find out. Thankfully, there are a few telltale signs that you can use to determine if your water main is leaking.
If you would rather have the professionals make a complete inspection of your line, Champion Plumbing offers the Oklahoma area, including the city of Mustang, plumbing services. Call 405-889-1318 today for fast and professional service. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency plumbing services.
What Causes Leaks in Main Water Lines?
Let’s take a look at the common causes of leaks in water mains. You might think these lines are too deep to be affected by anything, but that isn’t the case. Numerous causes can negatively impact your water lines, including:
- High water pressure
- While high water pressure can be pleasing to some individuals, the water pipes for your home can’t handle high pressure without eventually breaking. Pipes have pressure ratings for best performance, and you should follow those individual guidelines.
- Extreme temperatures
- Freezing winter weather and scorching summer heat can cause water in the pipes to expand or contract. The cycling temperatures will eventually wear down the pipe’s strength and lead to leaks.
- Worn out seals
- Plumbing contractors seal and connect pipes using seals, gaskets, and other trade tools to prevent leaks. Over time, these seals and gaskets will go bad, allowing water to seep out of the line and cause problems around your home.
- Old pipes
- All water pipes will eventually require replacement. Materials will become strained, cracked, and otherwise damaged over time, and when they do, they will leak or completely break open.
- Poor plumbing service
- Subpar plumbing practices can quickly cause damage, even if they were working with the best intentions. Only top-notch professionals will use the best materials to ensure a longer, more durable life for your water lines.
Some of these issues are unavoidable, but you can help protect your water lines by hiring high-quality professional plumbers to maintain, repair, or replace your plumbing as necessary.
9 Signs of a Main Water Line Leak
Now that you know what can contribute to a leak in your main water line, you need to know what signs to look for around your home. We share nine of the most common symptoms your home may exhibit if suffering from a leaking water line.
#1 Mold and Mildew
Small leaks can slowly soak into porous materials like wood, plaster, and drywall. As moisture accumulates, it attracts mold spores and contributes to mildew development. You might smell the mold or mildew without seeing visible evidence of the mold or mildew because it can hide behind walls and under floors.
#2 Water Bill Increase
Another indicator that your water lines are leaking is suddenly high water bills. If you aren’t increasing your water usage but see an increase in your monthly bill that isn’t due to a price hike at your water company, you should call a plumber for a water leak detection service.
#3 Cracks in Home Foundation
Water can cause significant damage to your home. Leaking water seeps into the porous materials that form your foundation and can cause visible cracking that eventually leads to crumbling. You will need to hire a plumber and a capable home contractor to correct the issues before it causes structural problems.
#4 Strange Smell in the Home
Mold and mildew aren’t the only scents you might catch when there’s a leak in your home. Leaks don’t only allow water out of the line; they will enable contaminants to enter your home’s water supply. If the water from your taps begins to smell strange, you should call a plumber immediately to check it.
#5 Dampness and Puddling Water
One of the most apparent signs of a leak is finding wet areas in your home. Puddles of water or consistent damp regions of the house are a primary indicator of water damage. You might discover puddles around your:
- Sinks
- Shower or tub
- Water heater
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Outside your home (without recent rainfall or snowmelt)
Some of the puddles might be from accidental spills or careless cleaning behaviors. However, if these puddles show up repeatedly or without another reasonable explanation, it is a sign that your water line has a break in it.
#6 Frequent Clogs Around the Home
Due to the minerals and other typical drain debris build-up, drains tend to clog over time. However, drains that clog constantly, even after a deep cleaning, can indicate that water is leaking somewhere in your home.
#7 Changes in Water Color and Clarity
Due to the potential presence of contaminants from a leaking pipe, your tap water might begin to change colors. Murky yellows, browns, or visible debris are indicators that you need a professional plumber immediately. They can detect and repair the leak and advise you whether your water systems will require a flush after the repairs are complete.
Don’t drink water that is visibly contaminated. You may need to purchase bottled water to avoid unwanted health consequences of drinking contaminated water from a damaged water line.
#8 Hissing or Bubbling Noises
You may have a hidden leak if you hear bubbling or gurgling noises or sometimes catch a hissing coming from your walls or plumbing. While some noises may indicate other problems, like uninvited pests, you should contact a plumber for a complete water line inspection.
#9 Low Water Pressure
The final telltale sign that you may have a main water line leak is losing water pressure around your home. Losing water pressure is an indicator of a more extensive leak that may be actively damaging the structure of your home. You’ll need the help of a skilled professional plumber to find and stop the leak as soon as possible.
Preventing Water Damage in Your Home
If you notice any of the above signs and indicators of a leaking water main, you can take a relatively easy step to help prevent water damage from spreading around your home. If you have a good idea of where the leak is coming from, you can locate the individual appliance water shut-off valve and turn the water off.
In some cases, you may need to notify your local water company and request them to shut off the water at the curb valve. The water company may send out an emergency dispatch to help you, or they might give you instructions on how to turn off the water for your home.
You can also reach out to a trustworthy plumber in your area that offers emergency plumbing services on a 24-hour basis. Your plumber can quickly shut the water off and begin an in-depth inspection to detect the source of the leak. By taking proactive action, you will protect your home from costly damage.
Call Champion Plumbing
Water main repair can be easy with the assistance of a reliable, local plumber in Mustang, OK, and the Oklahoma City Metro area. Champion Plumbing provides a wide variety of plumbing services to address all of your residential and commercial plumbing needs. Our services include, but aren’t limited to:
- Emergency plumbing service
- 24/7 availability
- Slab leak detection and repair
- Drain cleaning
- Pipe relining
Schedule your water leak detection services from Champion Plumbingg today. Call 405-889-1318 to speak with a Champion Plumbing tech about a possible main water line leak in your home today.
