A busted water main will give you an abundance of water in all the wrong places: on the lawn, in the walls, flooding the basement. To keep water where you want it, flowing from your taps, you need a water main in working order. But what are some of the signs of a water main break?
Water is the lifeblood of a home, allowing us to drink, wash, clean, bathe, and more. It is essential for our daily lives, from making morning coffee to taking evening showers. However, this seamless flow of water can be severely disrupted when there are signs of a water main break.
A broken water main can lead to extensive damage and costly repairs, and leave you without water for days. Understanding the warning signs and knowing what steps to take can help minimize the impact on your home and your wallet.
What Is a Water Main?
A water main is a primary pipeline that delivers water from your public water supply to your home. These pipes are typically buried underground and connect to smaller pipes that distribute water throughout your house. The water main is crucial because it ensures a steady flow of water to meet all your household needs.
It’s designed to handle high water pressure and deliver a large volume of water, often measured in gallons. For example, a broken water main can leak up to 90 gallons of water per minute, which is why it’s essential to address any issues immediately. When you see news footage of water shooting up from a city street–that’s a water main break.
The Damage a Broken Water Main Can Cause
A broken water main can cause significant damage both inside and outside your home. Inside the house, you might notice water damage in the basement. Water in your home can lead to mold growth, which poses health risks and requires costly remediation.
Outside your home, a broken water line can create large wet spots in your yard, potentially leading to soil erosion and damage to your landscaping. If the water seeps into the foundation, it can compromise the structural integrity of your home. Burst pipes can also affect the water supply or even bring contamination, which can have far-reaching consequences for the entire community.
Signs of a Water Main Break
Recognizing the signs of a water main break is crucial for preventing extensive damage. Here are the key indicators to watch for:
Increased Water Bills
One of the first signs of a broken water line is an unexpected spike in your water usage and bills. If you notice that your water bills have increased significantly without any change in your household’s water consumption, it could be a sign of a water line leak. A slight increase can indicate a smaller leak from a busted water pipe–here’s how to identify those smaller leaks.
Wet Spots in the Yard
Unexplained wet spots or puddles in your yard, especially when the weather has been dry, are common signs of a broken water line. This water leaking from underground pipes can create soggy areas that never seem to dry out.
Low Water Pressure
If you experience low water pressure throughout your home, it might indicate a water main issue. This happens because the water flowing through the damaged pipe is escaping, reducing the pressure that reaches your faucets and fixtures.
Discolored Water
Brown or rusty water flowing from your taps can be a sign of a broken water main. The damage can allow dirt and debris to enter the water supply, leading to discolored and potentially unsafe water in your home.
Strange Noises
Hearing hissing, gurgling, or banging noises in your plumbing can be a warning sign of a broken water line. These sounds occur when air enters the pipes through the break, disrupting the normal flow of water.
Water Pooling Inside
Finding unexplained water in your home, such as wet spots on floors or walls, can be a sign of a broken water line. This is often accompanied by a musty smell, indicating potential mold growth due to water damage.
What to Do if There are Signs of a Water Main Break
If you suspect a water main break, it’s important to act quickly to minimize damage. Here are the steps you should take:
- Shut Off the Water Source: Locate the main water shut-off valve in your home and turn it off to stop the flow of water. This will help prevent further water damage.
- Call a Plumber: Contact an emergency plumber immediately. At Meticulous Plumbing, we have the expertise to handle water main breaks efficiently. Our team can assess the situation, pinpoint the location of the break, and perform the necessary repairs.
- Notify Your Local Water Utility: Inform your public water supply company about the broken water line. They may need to inspect the main line and ensure that there is no wider issue affecting the community.
- Document the Damage: Take photos and notes of the damage caused by the water main break. This documentation can be useful for insurance claims and when discussing the issue with your plumber.
- Avoid Using Water: Until the broken water line is repaired, avoid using water in your home. This includes not using faucets, toilets, and appliances that require water. This helps prevent further strain on the damaged pipe.
Old Plumbing Requires Regular Maintenance
Call us to inspect and service your water main regularly, especially if your plumbing is old. We can detect leaks or other problems. Age and corrosion are the most common reasons for a water main to fail. Digging can also cause damage. In Oregon and Washington, contact the utility notification center before you dig by calling 811. They will mark the location of underground utilities for free.
Replacing a water main is a big project, but in some cases, it’s necessary to prevent flooding and damage to your home. Other times, a simple maintenance plan is enough.
FAQs About Signs of a Water Main Break
What causes a water main to break?
Water mains can break due to aging infrastructure, ground movement, extreme temperature changes, high water pressure, or just an accident during road work. Over time, pipes can weaken and eventually fail.
How can I prevent a water main break?
Regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent water main breaks. Ensure your plumbing is in good condition and address any minor leaks or issues promptly. However, there’s not a lot you can do once the water main leaves your property.
How long does it take to repair a water main break?
The repair time can vary depending on the extent of the damage and accessibility of the pipe. Minor repairs might take a few hours, while major repairs can take several days.
Will my water service be interrupted during repairs?
Yes, your water service will be temporarily interrupted while the broken water line is being repaired. Your plumber will inform you of the expected duration of the outage.
How much does it cost to repair a water main break?
The cost of repairs can vary widely based on the severity of the break and local labor rates. On average, repairing a water main break can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
If you suspect a water main break or are experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above, don’t wait to take action. Contact Meticulous Plumbing immediately. Our expert team is ready to assist you with any plumbing issue, from water main breaks to routine maintenance. We understand the urgency of these situations and are committed to providing prompt, reliable service to get your home’s water system back to normal.
Call us today to schedule an inspection or repair. Your home’s water supply is too important to trust to anyone else!
