A ruptured water main can cause extensive water damage in Austin, TX, homes and businesses, especially if the leak is not identified and resolved immediately. The leak can flood a home, crawl space, or basement. If left unrepaired, a broken water main has the potential to undermine the integrity of a road and cause it to collapse. Repairing a major leak that has caused significant damage can be costly and time-consuming. The failure to spot the leak may be the reason why the water leak was able to create such a large disaster. Leaks below ground level can go undetected for years.
Plumbing experts explain the importance of being able to identify signs of a leak in the water main: “Your water main is the line that links the plumbing system in your home to the public water supply. This pipe channels water from the public supply to the pipes in your home, ensuring that you have an adequate supply of water. Since this main water line is usually located underground, it cannot be accessed without digging. This is why it is important for homeowners to take precautions and spot the possible signs of a leak or other issues in this water line.”
Five Signs of a Ruptured Water Main
A water main leak is difficult to identify because of the location of the pipe underground. However, an informed homeowner with a trained, attentive eye can recognize signs that indicate a leaking pipe. Listed below are the most common signs that a water main has ruptured.
Sign #1: Unexplained water in the street
Unexplained water in the street or roadway is one of the most common signs of a ruptured water main. When water leaks from a water main, the water will take the path of least resistance, most likely bubbling into the street. The homeowner is advised to immediately seek professional plumbing services to locate the leak and repair the pipe.
Sign #2: Water or moisture in the homeowner’s yard
Unexplained wet or moist areas and sinkholes in the lawn are strong indicators of a water main leak. These situations present a serious health risk to children, the elderly, and pets. Keep people and pets away from the area until a professional has arrived on the scene to address the matter.
Sign #3: Higher than usual water bills
Unexplained increases in the water bill may indicate a potential leak. Entertaining a house full of guests for several days, watering the garden every afternoon, or filling the pool can spike the water bill. However, if the increase in the water bill does not correlate with the amount of water actually used, a water main break or other leak is potentially at fault.
Sign #4: Low water pressure
Low water pressure when there is no indication of a disruption to the community water supply may signal that there is an issue in the water main.
Sign #5: Cracks in the home’s foundation
Water can seep into the foundation of a home, and the resulting cracks can weaken the foundation and de-stabilize the entire structure.
Other Causes and Signs of Water Leaks
Homeowners should also look for signs of water damage inside the home. The cause of the water damage may be leaking pipes, drains, toilets, a roof leak, or condensation from the HVAC unit. If left unresolved, the leak can cause serious structural damage and extensive mold infestation.
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Pools of water in the home
Water accumulating in the home, especially under sinks or on the floor, could be an indicator of a leak in a water supply line to the faucet or a nearby appliance. Some problems may be easily detected. Water damage behind walls and ceilings is more challenging to identify. An annual inspection by a trained professional such as a property damage restoration specialist, a general contractor, or a plumber may reveal these problems so they can be repaired before advanced water damage occurs.
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Wet spots
Foster the habit of inspecting the areas around toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs. Discolored areas or wet spots should be red flags.
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Damp drywall
Drywall and ceilings that are damp to the touch or that have wet rings indicate water damage from a leaking pipe or drain.
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Strange and unusual water sounds
Noises such as bubbling in the toilet or sink, whistling pipes, mysterious banging and clanking, and the audible dripping of water strongly indicate that pipes may be leaking.
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Unpleasant odors
A moldy, musty smell is a strong indicator that a water leak or condensation from an HVAC system has created an environment in which mold is growing. A call to All Nation Restoration can track down the exact location of the mold and trace any water leaks that may be sourcing the water damage.
All Nation Restoration understands the disruption, anxiety, and cost involved in a water damage disaster in Austin and Waco, TX. The team is committed to providing compassionate customer service, and the water damage restoration company in Austin, TX, provides property damage restoration services that are tailored to the client’s individual needs.
For more details about water damage restoration in Austin, TX, contact the company by phone at (512) 934-8180 or by email info@AllNationRestoration.com.
