6 Signs of a Water Line Break and What to Do

One of the most inconvenient plumbing issues to encounter is a water line break. It can disrupt and contaminate your water supply, cause water damage to your property, and result in large amounts of wasted water the longer it takes to get fixed. Among the common reasons for broken water lines are old pipes that are already starting to show cracks and corrosion, extreme temperature, which leads to shifting of the soil surrounding your pipes, and pipe damages caused by construction or heavy machinery near your vicinity.

If your water supply has been showing signs of irregularities, you might be experiencing a water line break. Here are some things to watch out for before that leaking water line gets worse:

1. Low Water Pressure

If you notice that your faucets or other water fixtures in your house that rely on your main water line don’t have enough pressure, it’s highly likely that your pipes have a leak or rupture somewhere. This could result in various issues and inconveniences, such as not being able to flush toilets properly or slow-going daily tasks like washing the dishes. 

2. Sudden Water Bill Increase

A leaking faucet is said to be capable of wasting around a gallon of water each day, so imagine how much more water is wasted by a leaking pipe. If you notice a sudden spike in your water bill despite keeping your water usage essentially the same, you might have a water line break. If this happens, you may contact trusted Dunedin plumbing services to inspect your pipes and determine if there’s a leak or break somewhere. This problem should be addressed ASAP as it will only cost you more money the longer you put it off. You’ll also waste more water, which is not good for the environment.

3. Water Discolouration

Another telling sign that there might be a broken pipe somewhere in your plumbing system is if your running water at home starts looking cloudy or discoloured. This may be due to debris entering a rupture in the water line or rust in your pipes mixing into the water supply. As drinking contaminated water can cause various health problems, it’s important to get in touch with an emergency plumber to get your water lines checked and repaired or replaced right away.

4. Water Pooling In Your Property

Standing water in your backyard or general vicinity, even when it hasn’t rained, is a sign that there’s a possible leak in your water line. This can balloon into all sorts of problems, such as destroying more pipes. This is because wet soil can become more compact and thus put undue stress on your pipes; it could even induce sinkholes in your property. Thus, if you spot pools of water in your property that seemingly won’t dry up, it’s time to call a professional plumber to deal with the problem.

5. Strange Noises from Your Plumbing System

If you hear any bubbling, gurgling, and other strange noises coming from your plumbing system, this could be another sign of a pipe leak or water line break. You may try to locate where the noise is originating to see if it leads you to the place where the leak is exactly. If you’re unable to do so, turn off your main water shut-off valve and call your local plumber to pinpoint the issue.

6. Water Damage

Mould growth, warping of walls, bubbling or flaking paint, and musty smells are some common signs of water damage. These can be caused by an ongoing water line leak and can worsen if left unattended. Over time, your home’s structural integrity can be compromised, so make sure you ask for a professional plumber’s help the moment you start seeing signs of water damage.

Solving Your Water Line Break Issues

As soon as you spot one or two of the signs listed above, your immediate next step should be to call a trusted plumber to fix or replace the affected pipes. A mistake people often make is to put off calling a plumber because they think the problem isn’t that dire yet. However, even if the leaks may seem harmless now, it can only grow worse the longer it’s overlooked and cost you more in the future. To this end, also make it a habit to get your plumbing systems inspected even if there doesn’t seem to be any issues. This can help mitigate worse damages and ensure you always have a steady supply of water in your home.

For times when you need to have a water line break or any other plumbing issue fixed, Mains Plumbers has got your back. Our team of plumbing experts are committed to providing prompt and efficient service for every customer. We completely understand how much of a hassle it is to have plumbing issues, so rest assured we’ll get them fixed for you in no time!