Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

4 Tips To Deal With Pipes And Damage Outside Your Home That Only Gets Worse If Ignored

20 July 2019

Herbert Chambers

It may be tempting to ignore problems with the plumbing outside of your home if you cannot see the effects inside. The problem is these issues usually get worse, can lead to costlier damage, and will eventually end in problems with the plumbing inside. The following tips will help you deal with the plumbing problems outside your home that you should not be ignoring because you cannot see them.

1. Hidden Root Problems Cause Damage to Water and Sewer Lines Outside

Hidden root problems are one of the biggest issues that you will have to deal with when it comes to the plumbing outside. Roots often cause damage to sewer and septic lines, and you want to make sure that pipes are protected from trees causing damage by removing the plants or using root barrier systems. In addition, the roots can also cause damage to water lines, which can lead to contamination of water in your home, so you will want to have these problems fixed quickly and make sure that main water supply lines are a safe distance from plants and trees.

2. Leaking Water Mains That Are Causing Erosion and Damage That Is Not Visible Yet

Leaking water mains are problems that are often noticeable when high pressure causes pipes to burst and create damage like potholes. Sometimes though, the leak of the water main may not be as visible, and it could be eroding soil underneath landscaping and your home. If you notice moisture coming from the area of a water main, have it inspected and repaired before the leak turns into a serious problem and severe damage.

3. Problems with The Water Line and Meter Causing Increased Utility Bills

The water line that goes from your meter to the plumbing in your home to supply running water can also be damaged. The problems are often small leaks or damage due to digging and outdoor projects near them and will require repairs or replacement to stop the problem. In addition, the meter for your water lines has fittings and connections that can fail, causing leaks that need to be repaired. Both problems can lead to excessive water loss and high utility bills if they go unnoticed for too long.

4. Old Sewer and Water Lines That Are Collapsing and Causing Slow Plumbing in Your Home That Will Get Worse

Another problem that you may have with outdoor plumbing is old pipes that are failing due to cracks and collapsing. These pipes can be old drain tiles or clay pipes that have begun to fail or materials like cast iron that decay and fail due to their age. Old water main pipe materials can also collapse and lead to a mess in your front yard when they cannot withstand the pressure anymore and burst. These old pipes should be replaced or retrofitted with a modern pipe liner to prevent damage from getting worse.

These are some tips to help you deal with the plumbing problems outside your home that you should not be ignoring just because you cannot see them. If you have a problem with a water main or other outdoor plumbing issues, contact a water main repair service to solve the issue before it gets out of control and causes serious damage to your home.  

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