Signs of a Main Break

A water main is the principal underground pipe for conveying water to residential and business properties. Monitoring your main water line can seem impossible since it is underground and not easily accessible without digging. Fixing a water main line can be a costly undertaking, so it is important to take some fundamental precautions and spot signs of possible water main issues. Broken water mains have been known to flood homes with mud and cause streets to crumble. This type of plumbing repair requires a professional plumber with a very specialized skill set. It is in every homeowner’s best interest to be aware of the water main line health and functionality.

Three Primary Causes of Main Breaks

• Excavation activities by contractors, utility worker or homeowners.
• Thermal expansion or temperature changes.
• Water hammer which occurs from fire hydrants being opened and closed too quickly.

Signs You May Have an Underground Water Leak

• Unusual wet areas in spots that are landscaped and/or pools of water on the surface of the ground.
• An area that is moldy, soft, green or mossy and surrounded by a dryer condition.
• A very noticeable drop in flow volume or water pressure.
• A new problem with dirt or air in your water or rusty water, although this can be due to another problem.
• A section of lawn that is irrigated suddenly turns brown and dies which used to be lush and green. This is due to the water pressure being too low for far sprinkler heads to properly pop up.
• Cracking or heaving of areas that are paved.
• Potholes or sink holes.
• Even grades of floor or a structure leaning.
• A sudden increase in use of water that is unexplained, water use that is consistently high or even water use that has been steadily climbing for a few billing cycles.