The plumbing in your home or business is drawn out to your septic system or municipal water source via the main plumbing line. This is called the water main. You could have a serious problem if your water main starts to leak. How can you tell if it is leaking? Five Star Plumbing advises you to look for the following 10 signs of a water main leak.
A Soaked Street
One of the most common signs of a water main leak is water seeping or gushing out into your street. If the water in the street appears to be coming from your property, your water main could be the culprit.
A Soaked Yard
Water can also seep or gush in your yard if your water main is broken. This might result in soppy ground or even sinkholes if the leak is bad enough. Your yard should remain dry unless you water it or it rains.
A Soaked Home
If you see water underneath your plumbing fixtures or flooring, in the walls, or on the ceilings, this could mean you have a plumbing leak of some sort. It could the household pipes or the main line.
Water Spots
The leak might not cause a ton of water-logged damage. If it’s a minor leak, you might only notice water spots on your ceilings, flooring, or underneath your plumbing fixtures. The wet spots signal trouble.
Drywall
Depending on how the water main runs through your property, you might also end up with wet drywall from the water main leak. One of the best places to see this is in your garage if the walls aren’t finished.
Excessive Water Bills
You might not see any leaks at all, and the only clue your water main is leaking is in your water bill. If you open the bill and see it’s atrocious for no reason, water is escaping from somewhere in your home.
Water Pressure
Your water pressure can also be affected by a plumbing leak, especially from the water main. When water is leaking out the pipes, you’ll notice a drop in your water pressure throughout the home.
Foundation Cracks
If left to its own devices, a broken water main can eventually crack your home’s foundation. This is because the water is leaking underneath the home. What’s worse? The leak can weaken your home.
Gushing
You might not see water gushing from the main, but you may be able to hear it. Leaking water main sounds include banging, clanking, dripping, and whistling noises from the pipe.
Smells
Finally, an older water main that isn’t cared for will be dirty and emit unpleasant odors if it’s cracked. Dirty water can smell rancid or like sewage. You’ll notice the odor in your home if the pipe is clogged.
If you suspect you have a water main leak in San Antonio, TX, call Five Star Plumbing.
