A damaged water main can cause significant damage to your property. If the leak is not detected and repaired in a timely manner, there is even a risk of damage to your home.
While today’s polyethylene pipes are very strong, they can still be damaged in some cases. It is important for homeowners to identify leaks quickly to minimize them.
Here’s a list of the most common signs to look out for:
- Outdoor water
- Wet spots
- Huge water bills
- Low water pressure
- Cracks in the foundation of your home
- Sounds of water drops
- Stinky smell
Outdoor water
This is perhaps one of the most common signs of main water line damage. When you notice water on the ground near your home, it’s time to shut off the main valve and contact a plumber immediately. Areas of wet ground can indicate a potential hazard.
Wet spots
Are the walls or ceiling covered in wet spots? Has water accumulated on the floor? Look for a leak. You should look especially carefully at areas near sinks, toilets and bathtubs. It is a good idea to inspect the entire house regularly. Shine a flashlight in hard-to-reach places. This must be taken very seriously so as not to expose the whole household to destruction.
Huge water bills
Are you sure you use less water than the receipts say? It’s quite possible that somewhere in the pipe there is a hole, and water is constantly leaking through it. Once you receive such a suspicious receipt, inspect your home and utilities for other signs of a leak.
Low water pressure
Is the water pressure from the faucet suddenly not as strong as it used to be? It’s possible that it’s also caused by problems on the main line. But the possibility of burst pipes in the house is still present. In this case, the pressure will be insufficient, even if you fully open the tap. The water simply comes out of the pipe somewhere else.
Cracks in the foundation of your home
Water from ruptured pipes can seep under the foundation, gradually destroying it. If not stopped in time, cracks can appear on the walls as well.
Sounds of water drops
The sound of dripping, whistling, knocking, clanking, and grinding can all indicate that something is wrong with your pipes.
Stinky smell
When dirty water gets from the pipes to the outside, sooner or later there will be offensive smells in the house. This can mean that the utilities are clogged or damaged.
