Tips for Maintaining Your Home Water Line

How comfortable is the home when there is no water? While water outages and other issues are easy to handle for a day or two, it’s much more difficult to go a lot longer without water being able to come into the home. When the water line is damaged, this is a possibility, and it will be necessary to have a plumber repair the line before the home has water once again.

Maintaining the home’s water line can help prevent potential issues and allow for repairs to be done as early as possible, so they’re less invasive and will not be as expensive. Homeowners will want to be aware of how to properly maintain the water line and what to look out for in case there are any problems.

Maintenance is Key

Maintenance is crucial for the water line. The main water line into a home is buried in the yard, so it’s not easy to see when something is wrong. During a maintenance inspection, a plumber can use a camera to check for issues like leaks or tree roots that could cause damage to the main line or prevent water from reaching the home. If anything is found during the inspection, it can be repaired right away, saving the homeowner money and ensuring the water doesn’t stop flowing in to the house.

Spot Potential Issues Early

Along with having a regular inspection done, homeowners should be aware of the signs that there could be a problem with the water line. Knowing what could go wrong and what to watch out for helps homeowners spot issues earlier and can prevent needing to dig up a large section of the yard to completely replace the water line. Some of the signs there may be an issue include the following.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure in one faucet could be a sign there is an issue with the faucet itself or the pipes leading to it. If there is low water pressure throughout the house, though, it is far more likely that the cause is the main line. Leaks or damage to the main line can allow water to escape, leading to lowered water pressure.

Odd Noises

If the water is making noises as it comes into the home, there could be damage to the main water line. Diagnostics will determine where the issue is coming from and what repairs are needed to prevent the noise. A plumber is needed to determine exactly where the noise is coming from and how it’s occurring.

Odd Colors or Smells

If the water coming from the sink develops an odd odor or color, it’s not safe to drink it. Instead, have a plumber do an inspection to find out what’s wrong. If there are cracks in the main line, it could be letting in anything that’s in the soil near the pipes, which is what causes the odor or color.

Increased Water Bill

Is the water bill a lot higher than it used to be? This could be due to higher costs from the water company or from additional use of the plumbing in the home. If neither of these is possible, it may be due to a leak in the main line. If the cost of the water doubles or more over a short period of time, a leak is the primary concern and should be inspected quickly.

Puddles in Yard

Puddles in the yard can be a sign that the main line is leaking. Water is getting to the main line, but instead of getting into the home, it’s leaking into the yard. Often, if there are large puddles, the leak is extensive and needs to be dealt with immediately. A significant amount of water can be wasted if the main line develops a leak.

Why Call in the Pros?

The main water line is buried in the yard, so it is not easily accessible. It’s also not easy to view the water line, so homeowners can’t inspect it on their own. While homeowners can dig up the water main to see what’s going on, this is a big job, and it could be a waste if the water main isn’t the problem after all. Instead, it’s always a better idea to call in professionals when there might be a problem with the home’s water line. They’ll do a thorough inspection to determine the repairs needed, then get everything fixed , so the home has water again.

Water lines are designed to be durable, but that doesn’t mean they won’t end up damaged or breaking down due to age. Homeowners can protect the home water line through regular maintenance and by knowing the signs of any issues. The p roper repair can prevent problems from getting worse and more costly.

If you’ve experienced any issues with the water line or want to make sure it’s in good shape, call the experts at B&L Plumbing Service, Inc now.