Is Your Home In Need of Water Line Repairs?
The water supply line is a vital component of the
plumbing system in your home. While it tends to function unobtrusively, if you are noticing minor leaks, excessively high bills or even a flood, there is likely to be an issue with your water line. Water lines rarely fail spontaneously, but your line could already be showing warning signs of an underlying problem. While it is possible to have your water line inspected to determine the issue, early detection can save you lots of stress. Therefore, you need to be aware of the warning signs so that you can organize a prompt repair.
Indications of a Water Supply Line Issue:
There are several indicators that there is a problem with your water supply line. While some of these indicators can be a temporary issue (while work is being completed somewhere in the water network,) if the problems persist, it is likely to be time to call in a
professional plumber. The indications to watch for include:
Water Accumulating in the Yard: If water has begun to pool in your yard or on your lawn with no apparent cause, it could be a sign that the pipe beneath has begun to leak. Obviously, check for more simple causes such as sprinklers or overnight rainfall before you call in a plumber.
Higher Water Bills: We all grumble about the cost of our utilities increasing, but if you notice that your water bills are getting unusually high, it could be a sign of a fault in your water supply line. Compare the latest bill to previous bills (from the same time the year before) to see if the water use has increased for no apparent reason. Even a relatively minor leak can waste gallons of water over time, which can make a big difference to your water bills.
A Drop in Water Pressure: Low water pressure can be an early indicator of water line troubles. While a drop in water pressure from one faucet may be attributed to a clogged aspirator, when multiple faucets and showerheads no longer have strong pressure, it is usually a sign of a water line problem. Although not common, a drop in your water pressure can be caused by municipal work or if the fire department is using a very large amount of water when fighting a fire, therefore, it is a good idea to check if this is a short term problem before calling in a
professional plumber.
Checking for a Water Line Problem:
Fortunately, determining if there is a fault in your water line is no longer an immensely messy job. In the past, checking for a broken water line involved exploratory excavation of the pipes, which meant damage to your yard and landscaping. With the development of leak detection technology, it is now possible for a professional plumber to conduct a full inspection of your water line without needing to dig any holes. A plumber can use sensors and special equipment to inspect lines from above or outside to check for any cracks, breaks or leaks. Once the issue is detected, it can be repaired with minimal damage to your landscaping, since the plumber has pinpointed the exact point where the problem has occurred.
By Giovanni Longo President Flood Brothers Plumbing
Giovanni Longo is a 3rd generation master plumber who has been practicing his craft and trade in the greater Los Angeles area for well over a decade and a half. A plumbing and hydraulics-engineering innovator, Giovanni’s particular world-class expertise focuses on dealing with challenging sewer system designs as well as resolving complex commercial and residential draining issues. As a certified Flood Mitigation expert, he is also well versed in a wide variety of water damage and remediation solutions.
