If you have ever had a water line break, you know that it is a big deal. Not only does it mean that you suddenly have no water, but it can also be quite expensive to repair. If you are lucky, the break will be in an easily accessible spot where a plumber can snake the line and be done with it. However, sometimes the break is in a more challenging location, such as under your house. In these cases, special equipment and expertise are required to repair, significantly adding costs. This article will teach you everything you need to know about water line repair services.
How to Identify a Water Line Break
Some common signs that you need water line repair include:
Wet patches on the ground
There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned mystery, and wet patches on the ground can be just that. While many things could cause them, one of the most likely culprits is water line damage. If you see these patches anywhere in your home, it’s essential to take notice and find out what’s going on. There are high chances your water line is broken and requires water line repair services.
Rust or sediment in your water
If you’re seeing a lot of rust or sediment in your water, there is likely a break in your water line. This will not only affect the taste and appearance of your water but can also be dangerous if ingested. Therefore, this is a major serious issue and should be addressed as soon as possible by hiring a water line repair professional in Arlington, TX.
Low water pressure
Water pressure is something that many homeowners take for granted, but when it’s low, it can be a sign of a water line repair or replacement needed. If your water pressure has been slowly declining over time, it’s definitely worth having your water main checked out by a professional to see if there’s an issue. Low water pressure can also be caused by other factors such as clogged pipes or corroded plumbing, so don’t wait until you have no choice but to call a plumber in Arlington, TX.
No water coming out of taps
When there is no water coming out of your taps, it is an indication that you need water line repair services. It might be a simple problem, such as a kink in the hose, but a bigger issue needs to be addressed more often than not. Either way, if you turn on a faucet and no water comes out, contact a plumber in Arlington for water line repair services.
Water bill increase
Your water bill is suddenly a lot higher than average, and you’re not sure why. You’ve been diligently conserving water, so you know it can’t be from your usage. This might be an indication you have a water line break somewhere on your property and that you need water line repair service in Arlington, TX.
Water meter spinning even though no water is being used
Have you noted that your water meter is spinning even though no water is being used? This, too, could be a sign that you have a water line break and need to call for water line repair services.
Strange noises coming from the pipes
If you’re hearing strange noises coming from your pipes, it could be a sign that there is something wrong. A water line break could cause this, but it might also be due to other issues such as clogs or corroded plumbing. No matter the cause, if you’re hearing unusual noises coming from your pipes, it’s best to call a plumber for water line repair services in Arlington, TX.
Your water is discolored or has a bad odor
If your water is discolored or has a foul odor, there is likely something wrong with your plumbing. Several things could cause this, but a water line break is one of the most common causes. If you’re experiencing any of these problems, contact a plumber for water line repair services as soon as possible.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is vital to call a plumber right away to investigate the issue.
What Causes Water Line Breaks?
Many things can cause a water line break and trigger water line repair, but some of the most common causes include:
Frost heave
If you’ve ever experienced a sudden cold spell in the middle of winter followed by a warm-up, you may have noticed that the ground has seemingly shifted. When temperatures fluctuate, the ground contracts and expands as the ice in the soil melts and refreezes. This constant shifting is called frost heave. While frost heave is typically an annoyance to homeowners with shifted landscaping, it can also cause water line damage. When the ground freezes and thaws repeatedly, it can cause the earth to swell up and push against the waterline, eventually breaking it.
Tree roots
When tree roots grow too close to a water line, they can often cause damage. Tree roots can easily puncture water lines, leading to leaks and water damage. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to know how to properly plant trees so that their roots do not come in contact with the water line. Call a plumber in Arlington for water line repair if you are already experiencing water line damage caused by tree roots. They will be able to fix the problem and repair the damage that has been done.
Poor installation or maintenance
If a water line is not installed correctly, it can easily break. This is often the case with lines installed near underground cables or electrical wires. If you are concerned about installing your water line, it is vital to call a plumber for an inspection. They will be able to tell you if your water line was installed correctly and if it is at risk of breaking.
Age of the water line
Water lines typically have a lifespan of around 25 years. If your water line is older than that, it may be more prone to breaking. If you are concerned about the age of your water line, call a plumber for an inspection. They will be able to tell you if your water line is nearing the end of its life and needs to be replaced.
Accidents
Water line breaks can also be caused by accidents, such as accidentally hitting a water line with a shovel while digging. If you experience an accident that causes damage to your water line, call a plumber for help. They will offer quality water line repair service and get your water service back up and running.
Corrosion
Corrosion is a significant cause of water line breaks. Over time, the metal in a water line can corrode, causing it to weaken and eventually break. If you are concerned about the corrosion of your water line, call a plumber for an inspection. They will be able to tell you if your water line is at risk of breaking and needs to be replaced.
Sudden pressure increase
If there is a sudden pressure increase in the waterline, it can cause the pipe to burst. This happens when a large amount of water flows through the line at once. For example, during a fire hydrant test or someone flushes a toilet while the shower is running.
Earthquakes and another natural disaster
Natural disasters like earthquakes and floods can also cause water line breaks. If you are in an area prone to these types of events, it is important to have a plan in place for your water line breaks. This could include having a portable tank or container that you can use to store water until the disaster has passed. Most importantly, you should have an emergency water line repair service contact number to get help as soon as possible.
Poor insulation
In many homes, the water pipes that run from the street through the foundation are not insulated. This can cause them to freeze and burst in cold weather. Poor insulation can also lead to increased humidity levels and consequent mold growth in warm weather. If you’re experiencing water line damage, it’s essential to find out if your home has proper insulation so that you can prevent future damage.
What to Do If Your Home is Affected by a Water Line Break
A water line break can cause a lot of damage to your home. If this happens to you, here are some steps that you can take to minimize the damage and get your life back to normal as soon as possible:
Shut off the water main
If you can safely turn off the water main, do so. This will minimize the amount of water flowing through the break and help prevent further damage. However, if you cannot turn off the water main, don’t worry. The plumber will do it for you when they arrive.
Remove any valuables from the area that is affected by the break
If possible, remove any furniture or other belongings from the area affected by the water line break. This will help to prevent them from being damaged by the water.
Call a plumber
The best way to deal with a water line break is to call a plumber. They will be able to shut off the water, repair the damage, and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.
Turn off all appliances that are using water
If you have any appliances in your home that use water- such as a dishwasher, washing machine, or refrigerator-turn them off. This will help to prevent them from being damaged by the water.
Stay out of the area that is affected by the break
It’s essential to stay out of the area affected by the water line break. This will keep you safe and help minimize the damage that is done.
These are just a few steps that you can take if your home is affected by a water line break. Don’t hesitate to contact a plumber for more information or help deal with water line repair situations.
Signs You Need a New Water Line Instead of Water Line Repair
Several signs indicate you may need to replace your water line instead of repairing it. These include:
The pipe is corroded and weak
In general, water line repair is a less expensive option than replacement. However, when the integrity of the piping is compromised, and it is in danger of corroding or breaking, replacement should be considered rather than attempting to repair it.
The pipe is too old
If your water line is more than 50 years old, it may be time to replace it. The older the pipe, the more likely it will break or corrode. Therefore, it’s essential to regularly inspect your water line to see if replacement is necessary.
The pipe is in a problematic or dangerous location to access
If the pipe is located in a difficult or dangerous place to access, it may be more cost-effective and less time-consuming to replace it than repair it. For example, if the pipe is located in a crawlspace or attic, it may be difficult and dangerous to repair it.
Extensive natural disaster
When a natural disaster such as a hurricane, tornado, or flood hits, the last thing on your mind is likely fixing your water line. However, if the damage is significant, you may need to replace your water line even if it wasn’t damaged in the initial disaster.
You are experiencing frequent water line breaks
If you are experiencing frequent water line breaks, it’s likely that your pipe is damaged and needs to be replaced. Instead of continually repairing the pipe, it may be more cost-effective to replace it altogether.
Hire Reliable Water Repair Experts in Arlington, TX
When you need water line repair or replacement services, hiring a reliable and experienced company is essential. Here at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Fort Worth, Arlington, TX, we have years of experience repairing and replacing water lines for homes and businesses in the Arlington area. We understand that it can be a major inconvenience when your water line is broken, not to mention a costly disaster. That’s why we work quickly and efficiently to get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above or have any questions about water line repair or replacement services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help! Call us now to schedule a free consultation.