Broken water lines are some of the major emergency plumbing issues you may have to deal with in your home. Broken water lines can result in the loss of a significant amount of water. If the problem is not identified and fixed early enough, you will have to deal with extensive damages and expensive repairs. What you do in case of a plumbing emergency usually makes all the difference when it comes to the extent of losses you will suffer. Therefore, in the case of broken water lines, it is crucial to be able to identify that you have the problem in the first place. For this reason, here are some of the signs to watch out for.
Discoloured Water Coming from Your Water Taps
If the water from your pipes is brown in colour, you could be dealing with a broken water line. However, it is worth noting that discoloured water can be caused by several other issues. For instance, if you are using well water, it could be time to change the filter. There could be some maintenance work going on in the main water supply in your area or your pipes may have developed quite a significant amount of rust, especially if you live in a relatively old home. If you have been away from your home for quite a long time, you may also notice discoloured water the first time you open your water taps.
In either of the aforementioned cases, the water should be clear after some time. However, if the water remains discoloured for days, you most likely have a broken water line somewhere. The discolouration can be caused by entry of soil into the water line or mineral blockage. Therefore, contact a plumber as soon as possible to have the issue fixed.
Low Water Pressure
Reduced water pressure is another common indicator of a broken water line. If there is a sudden drop in your water pressure, you could be having a broken water line. Just the same way as discoloured water, broken water lines may not be the only reason you are having low water pressure in your home. The best way to rule it out is to get a plumber to inspect your entire plumbing system.
Stains on The Walls
Wall stains are also other signs to watch out for. For water lines or pipes inside your walls, stains may be the only sign you notice. In some cases, however, the stains may be accompanied by moist spots and mould growth so be watchful for that too.