This main water line is the pipe connecting a property to the municipal/city supply, and its condition directly impacts access to water or the quality of water supplied to a property. We already know how important it is to have access to water. Just as a reminder, the following are some of the reasons why access to water is critical:

• Essential for Daily Life – As it supplies fresh and portable water for various needs
• Essential for the Performance of Several Home Systems – These include plumbing fixtures (such as showers, bathtubs, and faucets), appliances (like washing machines, water-dispensers, dishwashers, and ice makers), water-heaters, and fire suppression systems
• Enables Sanitation and Hygiene
• Enhances a Property’s Value
• Prevents Disruptions and Inconveniences

As a result of the key roles that the main plumbing setup plays, knowing when to repair or replace it is important, so this article addresses this subject. So, keep reading to find out about these signs and how to address them.

Key Signs of a Damaged Main Water Line

The whole point of informing you about these signs is to encourage you to take swift action, which is in your best interest. Having established that, some signs that this major plumbing pipe needs to be repaired or replaced include the following:

Low Water Pressure

Some signs suggesting the need to repair or replace this major plumbing setup are more noticeable than others. This one happens to be high on the list of very noticeable signs. Furthermore, because it is one of the earliest signs, swift action might only require repair, saving you the higher cost of replacement.

Faults with this major plumbing pipe leading to this issue can have several possible causes. It might be a result of:

• Corrosion
• Leakage
• Blockages

However, start by ensuring that the municipal source, rather than your main water line, is not causing the low-pressure issue. So, you can check with your neighbors to be certain.

Rusty or Discolored Water

Routine maintenance in a neighborhood can cause temporary water discoloration. So, it is usually not a big deal. However, do not take it lightly if this issue persists as it might indicate problems with this major plumbing pipe.

It could signal both rust buildup and sediment contamination as a result. Corrosion can happen especially with old pipes made with galvanized steel or iron.

Therefore, the rust particles mixing with supplied water can cause sediment contamination, resulting in rusty or discolored water.

Besides possibly indicating a problem with this major plumbing pipe, you need to swiftly address this issue, especially because of the water’s state. This is because its state would affect its smell, taste, and even its effect on you (especially if you drink it).

Puddle or Soggy Areas in Your Yard

Do not turn a blind eye to constantly wet soil, unexpected puddles, or unnaturally green and thriving grass patches in your yard. Have a professional inspect such areas, particularly if you know it is not a result of irrigation or recent rainfall.

You should be even more curious if it is around the layout of this major plumbing pipe. This could indicate a leak in this important plumbing setup, with the leakage causing what you see on the surface.

Swiftly addressing this issue not only ensures the optimal performance of your main water line. It also helps avoid other possible damages, including:

• Destabilization of your Building’s Foundation – Leading to structural damage
• Landscape Damage
• Pest Troubles – Such sites are suitable for breeding pests and rodents
• Mold Troubles

You can avoid these complications by being proactive. Therefore, quickly contact a capable plumbing service provider for a thorough inspection and then take appropriate further action.

Running Water Sound Even When No Fixture Is On

It might be nothing more than a gurgling or even hissing sound, and easy to overlook. However, a problem likely exists, and this major plumbing pipe could be the culprit with an unknown leak, among other possibilities.

You should take it even more seriously if you notice other signs while this is going on. This includes signs such as:

• Unexpectedly High Utility Bills
• Moisture Damage in Walls and/or Floors
• Visible Mold Growth

Make sure to immediately contact a capable plumber for a quick but thorough inspection if this is the case.

Unexpectedly High Water Bills

Homeowners need to be very observant. Paying attention to your usual/average spending on running water in your building is important.

This will make you well aware of any unusual increases in your bill, which might indicate a problem. Problems with this major plumbing pipe might be the reason for this. Because a leak of this nature can waste hundreds and even thousands of gallons of water, this is very possible.

Besides the burden of footing the additional bill, what is wasted can cause further damage elsewhere, leading to other problems. For instance, it could lead to structural damage, mold growth, and an altered landscape, among other things.

So, rather than just footing the bill simply because you can afford to do so, ensure that you get to the very root of the issue. You need a capable plumber to conduct a timely but thorough inspection for this reason.

Conclusion

You should not ignore all of these signs, which is why immediately contacting a plumbing service is the right thing to do whenever they are noticed. However, you cannot afford to have your water line repair, replacement, or even inspection conducted by just any plumbing company. Your choice must be:

• Capable
• Experienced
• Duly licensed
• Adequately Insured
• Well Equipped
• Positively Recognized in the Local Community

Although there are other considerations, these are bare minimums, and your choice should tick all of these boxes. So, make sure your choice is well-informed.