Causes and signs of water line damage
No living animal can survive without water; the same can be said about your home. Without water, you would not cook, clean, or even bathe. The above also explains why your water bill takes up a more significant portion of your utility bills. Getting water is not enough; the water should be clean and uncontaminated. If you find that your water is sometimes discolored or has a smell, it might be contaminated. Water contamination can mean that your water line is compromised. To avoid a situation where your water gets contaminated because you require waterline repairs, below is some basic information you should know about your water line.
5 Signs your waterline is damaged
- Low water pressure
When your water main is leaking, you will notice a decrease in the water pressure within the house or office. The pressure does not decrease at once, but it will happen gradually as the leak gets more prominent. The pipe is losing water before it can get to the house hence reducing water pressure when the faucet is opened.
A blocked water pipe could also be a reason why you have reduced pressure. Minerals can accumulate over time and restrict the flow of water in the main water line. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
- Discolored water
If you turn on your faucets and discolored water comes out, it could be an indication that the water main is rusted. Previously, water pipes were made of iron, which oxidizes and rusts over time. If you have a house over two decades old, you might have experienced this. However, in the last decade, water pipes have been made of copper that is resistant to oxidation. Discolored water can also be a result of dirt seeping into the water main through a crack. If you have discolored water, it is time to call in water line repair services in Minneapolis, MN.
- Unexplained high water bill
You might have noticed your water bill is getting higher every month; this could mean there is a leak. It could be a leak within the house, or it could be from your water main. After ruling out all other possibilities, such as a faulty faucet, it could be time to call a professional to handle the water line repair.
- Pooling of water on your lawn
One of the common signs of a leaking water line is a lawn full of unexplained puddles of water. There might be no puddle, but you might notice that the grass is extra green over the area where the water main is. It could mean that they are receiving more water than the rest of the grass on the lawn. To avoid this wastage, call an expert immediately.
- Cracks in the foundation
If the water line is faulty and has a hole or crack, whenever water passes through, it seeps into the surrounding the pipe and the foundation of your home. The soil will expand when wet and contract when it dries. The expanding soil can cause the foundation slab to push upwards, which could cause it to start forming cracks.
Top reasons your water line is leaking
Having an understanding of what could cause a water leak can give you more insight on water pipe repairs. Below are a few reasons why water lines start leaking;
- Lousy installation
If the water line was installed by an incompetent contractor, you can be sure it will fail prematurely. They could have decided to use substandard materials in a bid to reduce costs, and this will cost you in the future. Substandard work does not just apply to water line installation but also subsequent water line repair after installation. Always shop around for reputable contractors in Minneapolis, MN.
- Soil shifting under the surface
When the water lines are being laid, it is assumed that they will stay in place. However, this is not always the case. The soil surrounding the lines could shift because of various reasons, one of them being soil erosion at the perimeter of the house. The shifting soil can cause undue pressure on the water lines underground.
- Wear and tear
Regardless of the environment, every water line will, at some point succumb to elements. Most water lines are made from copper, iron, or PVC, and they all have an expiry date. With time they will start to degrade. However, with proper water pipe repair and inspections regularly, you can get a few extra years from the pipes.
- Frozen Pipes
There is a good chance that you have experienced a lack of water at some point during winter because the water line was frozen. It is not uncommon for the incoming water to freeze in the pipe. When water freezes, it expands. Your water line might not expand at the same rate cause it to crack or burst. When the water in the pipes thaws, the line develops a leak in the area.
- Root Intrusion
Root can cause significant damage to your water line because they not only grow powerfully, but they are also strong. The roots will slowly penetrate the line through a small hole compromising the integrity of the waterline. Water will start leaking out of the hole or crack, and you will begin experiencing reduced water pressure and increased water bill.
- Excess water pressure
While having high water pressure might feel good if the pressure is too high, it could strain the waterline. The materials used to make the waterline are meant to withstand pressure levels past which they can burst. If you are concerned about the water pressure in the pipes, you can call an expert to measure it.
There is a solution to every problem. If you have noticed any of the signs listed above, you will need an expert to handle water line repair. If you are looking for professional services in Minneapolis, MN, look no further. At Paul Bunyan Plumbing and Drains, we offer round the clock plumbing services. Call us today for the best services in town.