The main water line to your home is the most important part of your plumbing system. If it happens to break down, you should make sure to call a plumber right away to recommend repairs or replacement. But knowing when your water line needs to be repaired can be a bit tricky. Here are some things to be aware of that might mean your main water line needs to be checked out right away.
Frequent Clogs
Unfortunately, one of the most common symptoms of a water main problem is one of the most neglected. If you have frequent recurring clogs in your plumbing, it may only be a matter of time before your trusty plunger won't even be able to fix the problem. If you're getting frequent clogs that you can't explain, call a plumber to see what they can do about the situation and if there's something more serious lurking underground that needs to be taken care of.
Noisy Taps and Fixtures
Your plumbing is one system in your house that should always be completely silent. If you hear banging coming from pipes when you turn on the water, and especially if your toilet gurgles when you use the sink or vice versa, there's probably a problem with your main water line. This is a serious issue that usually involves more than one pipe in your plumbing system.
Pooling Water Outside
One of the most common signs of a water main line problem might not be present while you're standing inside anyway. If you step out into your yard and notice unexplained puddles, or the grass is extra green above where the main water line is, you should call a plumber right away to assess the situation. There may be a leak below ground that you're not aware of.
Increased Utility Bills
If your water bill used to be regular and manageable, and suddenly, it's much higher than it used to be, you could have a water main problem. You may not see leaks in your house anywhere, and that's because the leak could be in your main water line.
Poor Water Pressure
When there's a blockage in the water main, such as tree roots penetrating the piping, the blockage or clog could slow down the water coming into your house. If you've experienced a sudden decrease in water pressure that can't get boosted even with a regulator, call a plumber to see if there might be a blockage in the main water line.
Knowing when you need to have a plumber come out to repair or replace your water line is a common issue for many homeowners. People don't expect their plumbing to fail when it was built to last several years. After all, some people go a lifetime without ever having to worry about fixing their main water line or any plumbing. However, water line breaks happen all the time and these signs and symptoms of a water line failure can help you determine when it's time to call a plumber.
