When water lines are buried underground, damage to them often goes unnoticed. Repairing them can also be challenging because it involves digging up the ground, posing safety risks at https://grodraintile.com/.
A leaking underground water pipe can lead to several problems, and the longer it goes without being fixed, the more costly it will be.
Increased Water Bills
The impact of flooding is not the only threat to homes and business properties – a damaged underground water pipe can also result in astronomical water bills. Even a slow leak will cost you more money than usual, as it wastes water and allows dirt into the system.
Unexplained increases in your water bill are a good indicator that something is wrong with the pipes. It would be best to watch out for discolored water or a pungent smell. These are signs of a leaking pipe that will affect the water quality in your home and may even lead to health issues.
When a water pipe breaks, it can cause a sinkhole that threatens the foundation of your property. This can lead to expensive repairs of flooring, walls, and electrical wires. The longer a problem goes unchecked, the more damage it can cause to your home.
Leaking underground water lines is often caused by corrosion, soil shifts, expansive clay, poor-quality installation, or age. Metal pipes are particularly susceptible to rusting, as the constant exposure causes erosion of the inside surface and joints.
Repairing an underground water supply line is a project that requires expert assistance, as it will likely involve digging up a large section of your yard to expose the broken pipe. However, if you can identify the general area where the leak is located, it may be possible for you to carry out some of the work yourself.
Damage to the Foundation
If you notice water pooling on your property and there hasn’t been any rain recently, this could be a sign of an underground leak. Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and eventually, the water will start to degrade the soil, making it unstable and prone to shifting and cracking over time.
This can cause a lot of damage to your foundation and lead to expensive repairs down the line. Getting these leaks repaired immediately is essential to avoid further problems.
Another common problem that can result from damaged underground water pipe is sinkholes. When a pipe bursts, it can create an underground cavern and swallow anything in its path. These sinkholes can be dangerous and pose a risk to property, vehicles, and people in the surrounding area.
Underground leaks may also cause a lack of drainage in the yard, leading to erosion of supporting soil layers and limestone underneath the surface. This can lead to low areas that collect water after heavy rains. To prevent this, ensure that your home is properly drained by adding French drains and ensuring that water flows away from the house, not toward it.
Underground water leaks are dangerous, but they can be easily prevented with the help of a plumbing professional. It’s best to contact a plumber when you suspect a problem with your water lines.
Health Issues
A water pipe that bursts can cause contamination in the water supply. This may result in various health issues for you and your family. In some cases, the burst pipe may be caused by excess pressure in your home or by a change in temperature. In other cases, the pipes can be damaged by shifts in soil conditions. These changes can occur during construction projects or due to seismic activity.
In addition to a budge along the sidewalk, signs of an underground leak include a drop in water pressure, discolored or rust-colored water, and pungent or unpleasant odors. A water leak can also create a damp spot that may attract pests like ants or mice.
If you suspect your underground pipes are leaking, spread out a tarp and use twine or string to mark the area. Then, dig around the tarp to find the source of the problem.
Once you know where the leaking pipe is, call a plumbing professional. They can help you repair the damage and protect your property. The longer a leak goes untreated, the more costly and dangerous it becomes. To keep your home safe, check the surrounding areas of your house for any damp spots regularly. If you notice a problem, fixing it immediately is essential.
Damage to Property
A leak in an underground water pipe can cause significant damage to the surrounding property. The soil around the pipe will erode, and it can burst. When the pipe bursts, a sinkhole may threaten your home or foundation. It can also affect the landscaping around your home, resulting in costly repairs.
It would be best to act quickly to prevent significant problems when a pipe becomes damaged. First, shut off the main water valve at your home. This will stop all water flow to the affected area and isolate the section of the pipe that is leaking. Next, call the local emergency plumbing services to repair the broken pipe immediately.
Several different things can lead to underground water pipes becoming damaged. These issues include changes in the ground conditions, construction and landscaping, and seismic activity. Underground pipes can also become damaged by invasive plant roots, and temperature changes can impact their integrity.
While the signs of a leaking underground water pipe might be less evident than those of a leaking sewer line, it’s essential to know what to look out for to catch a problem before it worsens. Knowing what to look out for can save money and stop water damage to your property before it becomes too much of a hassle to fix.
