According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 90 gallons of water get wasted every day due to leaks in the waterline. Up to 10% of homes have untreated water line leaks.
When you have a break in your water line, you’re well on your way to having to replace the whole thing.
But what if you could catch the issue and deal with it before you have to spend a lot of money for a replacement?
Continue reading to learn more about the top seven main water line leak symptoms.
Main Water Line Leak Symptoms
There are many telltale signs that your main water line leaks.
When something like this happens, it’s important to call a plumber to repair the damage as soon as possible.
Check out what happens when a water main breaks and what extent of damage it might cause.
The longer your water line remains compromised, the more likely it is for damage to occur throughout the whole system. Don’t hesitate to call a plumber if you are unsure how serious the problem may be.
Symptom 1: Puddles of Water
An unexplained puddle of water usually means that there is a leak in the main water line. These puddles are usually found under the sink or on the floor.
Puddles in an otherwise dry yard could be a sign of a broken water line. The lines that run under the house or underground might be where the pipe has burst.
You might even see water flooding into the street when dealing with a burst pipe.
Unexplained wet spots on the sidewalk can also be a sign of a busted water pipe.
Symptom 2: Hissing, Whistling, or Bubbling Sounds
Hissing, whistling, and bubbling sounds coming from the pipes can be a sign of a broken water line. Gurgling or banging noises in your pipes could also be from a water line leak.
Sometimes you can’t see the signs of a busted water pipe. So if you hear some strange noises coming from your pipes you should have a plumber come out to your house. They can inspect the waterline and make sure there are no leaks.
Symptom 3: Low Water Pressure
If you’ve been having some problems with water pressure in your sinks or bathtub, you might’ve sprung a leak in your water line:
- The water pressure in your shower is weak
- The washer takes twice as long to fill
- The water from the sink is only a drizzle
This could also be because of blockage in the waterline. This may cause as many problems as a water line leak can. So don’t rule out a clogged pipe when you have low water pressure, especially if only one fixture seems to be backed up.
Symptom 4: Water Damage on the Ceiling and Walls
Water rings on the ceiling are usually a sign of water dripping into the tiles from the upper floor. These can be a sign of a leak in the waterline.
Damp water spots on the drywall can be a sign of a leak behind the wall.
Symptom 5: Mold & Mildew Presence
The presence of mold and mildew is a sign of a leaky water line. The build-up of mold and mildew happens when there is too much moisture in a confined space.
Mold and mildew can cause damage to the foundation of your home. Mold spores can be hazardous to your health if you come in contact with it. It can cause severe allergic reactions in some people.
It is important to get the water line repaired and the mildew and mold handled from the first sign of the problem.
Symptom 6: Discolored Water
When a water line breaks, it can cause the water in your house to become discolored. Dirt and other contaminants then have access to your water source.
Contaminated water can cause illness if ingested. It can cause potential skin irritation if you come in contact with it.
Symptom 7: Unexplained Spike in Water Bill
Some of the signs of a water main leak aren’t immediately recognized because you can’t see them. This doesn’t mean that there is no problem.
The cost of your water bill increasing could be a clear sign that there is something wrong with your water line. If there is no reason for the increase it could mean that you are losing water and you don’t even know it.
You can disregard this sign if you know that your increased water bill is from using more water in the last quarter than you usually do.
Preventative Methods Can Save You Money
All these signs point to a potential leak in the waterline. These may be a precursor to a burst pipe. Catching a leak in your water line before it causes bigger problems is tricky but worth the money it’ll save in the long run.
Contact Talmich Plumbing & Heating today with any questions you might have about the plumbing in your house.
Taking care of the problems as soon as they occur can be the best thing for you to save some money and to prevent further damage to your water line.
You can also take some preventative measures to make sure problems don’t arise, possibly avoiding pipe replacement. Having a routine inspection done can check your water lines for potential leaks and worn out pipes.
Talmich Plumbing & Heating uses technology to find the source of any leaks without having to dig up the main water line.
How Can We Help You?
Our experienced plumbers are ready to handle any plumbing problem that you might have. We offer a full range of plumbing services,
We cater to the Colorado Springs area and we’d be happy to help you figure out your main water line leak symptoms.
Call Talmich Plumbing & Heating at 719-822-0448 today to schedule an appointment for any of our plumbing services.