How To Determine If You Have A Water Line Leak
A leak in your main water line is not a problem that you should ignore. Know the signs of a leak so you can address it quickly.
Sedimentation Issues
Sedimentation in the water that comes out of the tap can sometimes be a result of a failing water line, especially if it happens in conjunction with any other signs of trouble. You may notice sand or dirt in the water, or the water may have what appears to be rust or metal flakes in it. The water may even be discolored and tinted brown or orange. Sediment may be present constantly or only occasionally.
There are usually one of two causes for sediment in the water supply. If all the taps are affected and the sediment is dirt-like, then there is likely a break somewhere in the main line. If the sediment appears to be rust, then the water supply line may be corroding from the inside out. If only a few taps are affected, then the corrosion is likely only on a single supply line. If all the taps are affected, the problem may be in the main water line.
Low Water Pressure
Another sign of water line issues is your water pressure. Generally, water pressure should stay consistent throughout your home and through out the day. If water temperature drops completely or fluctuates depending on which tap you are using, then there may be a problem.
An overall drop in water pressure indicates that there is either a leak in your main water line or that the main pressure regulator on the main line is failing. If only a few taps are affected, the issue may be with the tap or the point pressure regulator on that tap's supply line. In some cases, taps further from the main line may suffer a decrease in pressure due to a main line leak, while those near the main line may be barely affected.
Leak Symptoms
The above may be indicative of a leak or other issues, but if either of those things occur along with direct symptoms of a leak then you need to have your main line inspected.
Leak symptoms include an increased water bill without increased usage and soggy spots in the yard near the location of the water line. Sinkholes and other landscaping problems can also occur as the leak worsens. A prompt inspection can pinpoint the location of the leak, and then you can either have it repaired or you can have a new water line installed.
Contact a water line installation service for more help.
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