Signs of Water Line Issues
Oct 1
Although water lines consist of durable material and are buried underground to keep them safe, they occasionally develop issues. This is understandable because they handle stressors such as pressure, root infiltration, ground shifting, and temperature swings. As such, homeowners should regularly inspect water lines to identify issues that could cut off the water supply in the house should they escalate.
Here are some potential signs that a water line has issues:
Unusual noise from the plumbing system
A plumbing system should operate silently. When it starts producing unusual sounds, it’s a sign of an underlying issue. If there are loose or improperly installed pipes, the system makes humming or buzzing sounds. When there are cracks that are letting air in, the system will make bubbling or gurgling noises. Also, dripping sounds in areas without drains indicate that the water line needs a plumber’s attention.
Wet spots along the water line
When cracks and holes develop on pipes outside and the leakage goes unnoticed for some time, the water leaking will impact the vegetation growing around the area. Homeowners will notice portions that are greener than others. If the leakage is significant, puddles will appear around the affected area even if there’s no rain.
When the leakage occurs in pipes within the house, one might see water marks on otherwise dry walls. Without ventilation, mold and bacteria will grow and produce a foul odor.
Clouded or dirty water
It’s normal for water systems to flush some dirty water, especially when the water utilities have done routine maintenance to remove built-up sediments. However, when the taps consistently produce dirty water, it’s a sign there’s an issue in the water line.
One possible cause of dirty water is corroded pipes. The rust particles get into the water, giving it a brownish color and a metallic odor. Also, dirty water from the taps can arise from a rupture in the water line, causing soil and debris to enter the pipes.
Unexplained spikes in water bills
Most household water bills are predictable because they fall within a specific range depending on usage. Major fluctuations from the typical range can signal the water line is malfunctioning. The main issue that can cause water bills to spike is leakages. Even small, continuous leakages accumulate into significant volumes of water over time. It’s important to note that an increase in water bills can also originate from a faulty meter.
Extended low pressure
During peak water usage time, it’s normal for pressure to decrease due to increased demand. However, the water line could be problematic if the pressure remains consistently low. Low pressure can indicate a malfunctioning valve that regulates water flow and distribution. Also, clogs resulting from debris and sediment accumulation can cause low pressure throughout the system.
Repair the water line
When any of the above issues are noticeable in a water line, a homeowner should contact a professional plumber for repair. Trying to repair using a DIY approach can escalate the issue as homeowners might not have the necessary tools and skills.
Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.