Broken Water Line, 10 Silent Signs To Be Aware Of
Nowadays, 75% of American homes have SMART water meters, and these can be useful in detecting water leaks. But, there are additional signs of a broken water line.
Perhaps you’ve noticed pooling water, a change in color, or strange smells in your home. If this sounds familiar, you might have a leak in the main water line to the house.
The first task is to identify the leaking area. So, read on to learn the main water line leak symptoms and where to find them.
1. Moisture on the Walls
Run your hands across the walls; you may have a silent water leak if you feel moisture. Also, looking out for paint bubbling is how to tell if your main water line is damaged.
Water from a leak gets trapped in the paintwork or wallpaper and will form a small bubble.
2. Low Water Pressure
Older buildings have lower water pressure, but modern showers or faucets losing pressure are common signs of a broken water line.
There is a quick way to test water pressure. Place a one-liter jug under a running faucet; it should fill in less than six seconds.
3. Mildew and Mold
Unnoticed or unfixed water leaks create mildew. It is one of the most common signs of a broken water line.
The humid and damp conditions are perfect for mildew and mold spores, which can cause serious health concerns.
4. Discolored Water
Old pipes are rusty and can cause leaks, so you should get them replaced. You may notice a brown or rusty-colored water tinge if they are the root cause of your water leak.
This color is caused by the iron or rust from the broken pipes.
5. Unpleasant Odors
Stagnant water causes a musty or sewage-like smell. If you have noticed a strange odor but can’t place it, a leaky water pipe might be the cause.
You should also check the drains to ensure the scent isn’t trapped waste.
6. Active Water Meter
Water meters are early warning signs of a broken water line. Perhaps you’ve noticed that your SMART water meter is active even though you’re not using water.
If so, walk around your home, checking faucets and looking for other telltale signs of a main water line leak.
7. Spike in Water Bills
If you don’t have a SMART water meter, you may first notice a water leak by an expensive water bill.
Some water companies offer an early notification system if your water usage changes.
8. Pooling Water
Check the floorboards beside walls and under the sink for pooling water. Water leaks can also cause puddles outside your property.
For example, you may notice that grass grows faster in one area due to pooled water.
9. Water Rings on the Ceiling
The evaporation of leaked water leaves mineral deposits behind that form water rings. You will see a discolored circular stain on the ceiling.
Once a professional has fixed the leak, you can paint over this damage.
10. Rodents in the Home
Rodents such as squirrels and rats love living near water leaks. They will make their home in a nearby crawl space and benefit from the constant water source.
So, if you notice rodents entering your home, it could represent a water line leak.
Ten Signs of a Broken Water Line
Today we’ve answered the question of how do you know if you have a broken water pipe? You may have identified one or more of these signs of a broken water line in your home.
Call your local professional to come and assess the leak at your property. So, contact us for help if you’ve noticed a potential water leak in your home.
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