Watch for These 5 Signs of Water Line Damage

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’re always looking for ways to improve your home’s value and keep it in tip-top shape. One area you might not think about very often is your home’s water lines—but believe it or not, they can actually be pretty vulnerable to damage.

Our team at Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis wants to help keep your plumbing healthy and operating efficiently, and you can do by keeping an eye out for these five signs of water line damage at your Memphis home.

1. Water Pressure That Fluctuates or Is Suddenly Lower Than Usual

A sudden drop in the water pressure can be inconvenient and a sign of a broken water line. High-pressure levels can cause a water line to burst or crack, leading to a substantial loss of functionality.

Other possible causes for water pressure issues include:

• Leaks in the pipes
• Kinks in hoses or tubes
• Blocked plumbing fixtures
• Changes to the local municipal water supply

Remember to check these things out if you’re having pressure problems; you don’t want any nasty surprises regarding the state of your water pipes.

2. A Decrease in Water Quality, Including a Strange Taste Or Odor

Is your water supply tasting a little different than usual? If your water has a strange taste or odor, you might need to look into water line damage. When water lines break, it’s easy for sediment and other debris to enter the water supply and decrease its quality.

Additionally, water line breaks can be much more serious issues, creating a significant strain on water pressure levels or wasteful leaks that cost you dearly in wasted water and water bills. If any serious signs appear alongside a decrease in water quality, then it’s time to inspect your water lines.

3. Water Stains on Walls or Ceilings

Uneven, discolored blotches on your walls or ceiling could signal a water line issue—meaning you may have an unseen leak lurking beyond the wall or above the roof. Even if there isn’t an obvious water source, we recommend calling one of our Memphis professionals immediately to conduct a further inspection to ensure that your space is safe.

A timely response can save money down the road—small water line issues can quickly become larger problems if left unchecked. So, if you see discoloration around your walls and ceilings, follow up as soon as possible to secure your home’s safety and comfort.

4. Pooled Water Around Your Home’s Foundation

Pooling water around your foundation could indicate water line damage outside your Memphis home. Puddles of water forming around your foundation are likely indicators that a water line may have fractured or cracked underneath the ground. This can allow the liquid to flow up and out from beneath the land surface—making it perceptible by pooling in certain areas.

Suppose you spot water that persists and doesn’t seem to be receding. In that case, you should contact a professional immediately, as further water line breaks or leakage can damage your foundation significantly if not caught in time.

5. Foundation Cracks Wider Than a Quarter Of An Inch

A crack in your home’s foundation wider than a quarter of an inch is a significant sign that water line damage might be occurring. This issue can be more extensive than it appears, as an underwater water pipe leaking beneath your foundation may cause the structure to diminish and move, resulting in larger fractures and expensive fixes.

Ignoring the warning signs of water line damage could mean letting minor issues progress into major ones. If you notice wider than normal foundation cracks, it might be worth investigating further to ensure there isn’t any looming water line damage at the root of it.

6. Doors or Windows That Are Hard to Open or Close

Struggling to open or close your doors and windows? It might be a warning sign of water line damage. Moisture leaking from broken lines can affect the soil below and around your foundation. Over time, this can cause uneven settling in the soil, leading to doorframes warping from excessively dry or wet weather cycles. If ignored, this can cause severe damage to your home’s interior and exterior.

It’s best to address these signs immediately by calling a licensed plumber to diagnose the issue and repair any damaged water lines before the problem worsens.

Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Memphis can inspect plumbing fixtures and fixtures around your home’s exterior to ensure that all possible causes are eliminated or addressed so that any future problems can be avoided. Ultimately, regularly checking for these signs and taking preventative measures can save you money and stress down the road.

For any questions about water line damages, contact our friendly staff today.