Signs and What To Do If Water Line Breaks in Your House
The most common homeowners’ insurance claim is property damage due to water. The average claim is usually over $10,000.
Your insurance company determines if the damage is preventable. Unfortunately, if it is, they won’t cover the costs.
It’s a substantial amount of money to spend if that is the case. You can avoid this by catching a water line break before it becomes a major issue.
There are several ways you can tell if you have a broken water line. Read on to find out what they are and what you should do if you discover one.
Signs of a Broken Water Line Break
Water line breaks aren’t always as obvious as a gush of water in a specific area of your home. Considering that 53 is the average age of homes in New Jersey, this often means pipes are older and weaker. Leaks can start small and get progressively worse and can cause the following:
A Drop in Water Pressure
This isn’t always due to a leak. It may not even be a result of anything happening in your home.
However, your water pressure can drop if there is a buildup of minerals in your pipes. This causes increased pressure in one area and can lead to your pipe breaking in that area.
Water Stains
Beware of water stains on your walls or ceilings. These are usually a tell-tale sign that there is a leak.
Although it may be a small, slow leak, it can get worse. It can eventually lead to extensive damage to your home.
Discolored Water
Discolored water in your pipes is one of the more obvious signs. It can be due to rusting of older pipes.
But it can also mean there is a break along your water line. This type of leak is often located between your house and the main water connection.
How to Tell if the Water Line to Your House Is Leaking
An experienced plumbing company can determine the location of a water line break. This is important because depending on where it is, you may not be responsible for fixing it. This is the case if the break is in the water main.
The water main is the line connecting the public water system to your home’s system. It can break for several reasons including:
- Damage from heavy equipment
- It’s age
- The material it’s made of
- Fluctuations in the water pressure
Pipes freeze during winter. Problems can arise as they thaw out when it gets warmer can. This can also play a factor in their deterioration.
If any of these do occur, who is responsible for the water line from the street to your house? Good news. It may not be you.
If the leak is in the water line from the water main to your property boundary, the City would need to fix it. This isn’t the case if the break is in the water line located on your property. If it is, you’ll need to find someone who specializes in water line replacement.
Don’t Make Leaks a Problem
Although a home can last for years, it goes through natural ‘wear and tears’ during that time. This can result in a water line break. But this doesn’t have to translate into extensive damage and high repair bills.
Noticing the signs of a break can help you fix the issue before it becomes a major problem. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to call an expert.
All A’s Plumbing can help. We have over 20 years of experience in water line repair and can fix other plumbing issues. Contact All A’s Plumbing and Heating for a FREE estimate today!
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