Hidden Plumbing Problems: What to Look for

3 Signs Your Home's Water Line May Be In Need Of Repair

22 March 2021

Herbert Chambers

Assuming you are not a superhero with x-ray vision that allows you to easily check the condition of your underground water lines, detecting a small leak in your home's water line before this leak grows larger may seem like an impossible task. However, learning to spot the early warning signs of a leak can allow you to determine when you are in need of water line repairs before your home experiences a major flood or other catastrophic event that alerts you to the need for major repairs. 

Sign #1: Variations In Yard Conditions

A variety of changes in your yard could signal the need for water line repairs. For instance, if you spot areas that seem to consistently have excess groundwater or puddling, this could be a good indication that an underground pipe is leaking in that area. You may also notice that one area of your yard has grass that is much greener than the rest of your yard without an obvious cause for the difference in color. This can be the result of unintentional watering thanks to a leaking water line. 

Sign #2: Higher Monthly Bills

Not all water line leaks will result in huge consumption differences. Consequently, you cannot always count on the water company to alert you to any spikes in water usage in order to detect a potential leak. If you notice that your monthly bill is higher than usual despite the fact that you have not changed your daily consumption habits, it is a good idea to contact a plumber to come and inspect your water line. Even if a leak is not found, this professional contractor may be able to help you determine what is causing the excess consumption and repair the problem. This is especially important if the increase in your monthly bills has occurred on more than one consecutive month since minor plumbing problems will only continue to get worse until they are addressed by a professional.

Sign #3: Reduced Water Pressure

If the water line that requires repair is the line that provides water to your home, you will likely experience a decrease in water pressure that continues to get more severe as time goes on. This drop in water pressure will typically be present throughout the entire home rather than a singular faucet. For instance, if you are only experiencing a loss of pressure coming from your shower, this is likely due to mineral deposits in your shower head rather than the need for water line repair. However, if you are experiencing a loss of water pressure throughout your home, it is time to call in a professional plumbing contractor to further explore the possibility of a broken water line. 

To learn more, contact a water line repair contractor.

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