Broken water lines are a fairly rare occurrence for most homeowners. Usually, homeowners will only deal with a water line break once in their lifetime, if at all. However, it does happen. When it does, homeowners have two options: repair or replace.
Signs of a broken water line
1. Stream of Water
This is an obvious sign. It could be coming from the foundation wall, somewhere on the property such as the lawn, or in the roadway. Water seeks its way toward the weakest point in the ground or through a wall, meaning it may even be possible the leak is coming from a neighbor’s house.
2. Noise
A rumbling or hissing noise coming from the water main where the pipe enters the house while the water is not being used is another sign of a leak. The only time there should be noise present is when the water is in use.
3. Water Pressure
A loss of water pressure from faucets or other fixtures can point to a possible water line leak or break. However, not every leak leads to a loss of water pressure so it should not be the only sign homeowners keep an eye on.
4. Discolored Water
Discolored water is not normal and could pose a health risk. If water starts turning brown at one faucet or all of them, call All Star Plumbing and Restoration right away to determine the source.
5. Water Spots
Keep an eye out for wet spots around the house or in the lawn. Check under sinks, by the toilet, and the basement regularly for excess water.
If homeowners notice any of these signs, it’s best to call All Star Plumbing and Restoration right away. The sooner the problem is caught, the less water damage we will need to address.
Causes of a Broken Water Line
There is a large variety of elements that can cause a broken water line, but the three most common residential causes are:
- Natural Wear and Tear
As water lines age, they are more susceptible to corrosion and other wear and tear. As they near the end of their lifespan, water lines should be checked annually for possible issues.
- Tree Roots
Roots from nearby trees can grow deep enough to penetrate the water line. This causes water to seep into the yard and can create a swamp-like area.
- Change in Temperature
Temperature changes can impact the soil surrounding the underground water line. Frozen soil can add additional stress on the water line causing it to crack. The same is true when the ground shifts as the weather warms up.
Water Line Repair or Replacement?
When looking at repairing or replacing the water line, homeowners need to consider these three factors:
1. Material
Some types of plumbing like lead or polybutylene should be replaced with another material that is better and will last longer instead of repairing the water line. These outdated materials are prone to breaking and can cause health issues.
2. Age
The useful life of a typical water line is just over 50 years. If the water line is older than that, it is not a sensible candidate for a repair. Replacing it would make much more sense financially. Older homes typically have outdated pipes that are difficult to repair.
3. Previous Repairs
A previous repair should be a major factor in this decision. Once the water line has been in need of repair, it is likely to break again and need additional repairs. Repairing the water line on two separate occasions will almost always cost more than a complete water line replacement the first time around.
Repairing and replacing water lines often requires excavating the ground around it. This requires determining where the water lines are laid out so they aren’t damaged further in the process. The team at All Star Plumbing and Restoration can properly and effectively excavate, repair, or replace water lines for your home in a timely manner.
All Star Plumbing and Restoration also offers trenchless water line replacements. With this technology, we can replace old, broken lines with new ones without disrupting the lawn, landscaping, and driveways. This option generally requires less time than a full excavation.
Homeowners who are concerned about a possible leak, or the age of the plumbing system should contact All Star Plumbing and Restoration. We can inspect the water line system to check for any leaks or possible issues that might arise. Our team can also help homeowners determine if a water line repair or replacement is best.