First, it is essential to know that your home’s water main is the single pipe that carries water from the city supply into your home. And as you might have guessed, this line is constantly pressurized. So when there is even a small leak in the pipe, the water loss can quickly become substantial. But in addition to the potential for a massive amount of wasted water, there are also other concerns like contamination of your drinking water and damage to your appliances. So knowing the signs of a potential water main leak are very important.

Reasons For Concern

• Sink Holes Or Collapsed Sidewalk: Most city water supply lines are located near the street or under it. And when your water main is leaking near the city supply line, it can wash out a section of soil, the sidewalk, or even create a sinkhole in the street.
• Soft Or Sinking Soil: When a water main is leaking in your yard, it is not uncommon to discover large soft areas in the soil, sinkholes, or standing water. And because the leak is constant, you will find that the standing water remains somewhat clear rather than cloudy or muddy.
• Green Lush Lawn: If you see that one part of your lawn appears to be excessively green and growing more rapidly than the rest of the lawn, you could have a water main leak. If left unrepaired, that same section of grass will eventually begin to turn yellow from overwatering.
• Lack Of Water Pressure: As the leak increases, you could notice that the water pressure in your home is decreasing. If you cannot determine another cause of the drop in water pressure, it is wise to call in a professional to check for a water main leak outside your home.
• No Water: Eventually, a small water main leak will increase to the point of rupturing the pipe. When this happens, you will have little or no water supply in your home.
• Dirty Water: Typically, sometime between the small leak and the ruptured line, you will begin to see dirty and contamination in the water coming from your faucets. This is because the pipe’s damage is large enough to allow dirt to enter the line and flow into your home. As soon as you notice dirt in your water, it is imperative that you turn off the water supply to your home to avoid further damage and contamination to your fixtures and appliances.
• Spinning Water Meter: When you shut the valve on your home’s water supply line, your water meter indicator. If the meter’s indicator is still spinning while the house water valve is closed, you know that you have a leak in your main water line.

Repair Or Replace

As soon as you think there is a leak in your home’s water main, it is critical that you call (937) 749-7097 for emergency assistance from a licensed Buckeye Plumbing & Property Solutions plumber. After locating any leaks and evaluating the water line, your Buckeye Plumbing & Property Solutions pro will provide you with cost-effective solutions to repair the leak or replace the pipe. In the case of an older water line, it can be wise to invest in a replacement rather than repeated repairs to a deteriorating line.

Ask About Trenchless Solutions

Many homeowners are concerned about the massive destruction that can accompany a water main repair or replacement. However, many repairs and even replacements can be completed with minimal excavation thanks to modern trenchless pipe repairs and replacement techniques. If trenchless repairs are an option, our team will include them in your list of options.