Ask a Portland Plumber: What Are the Signs My Line is Broken?

Leaking pipes inside your home? That’s something you’re going to notice. But a water leak outside your house? That might be a different story. Luckily, there are certain signs you can keep an eye out for that will alert you when you might have an outdoor water leak on your hands.

One of the first spots to check for a water leak outside of your home is actually on your monthly water bill. While most families can’t manage the same amount on a water bill month to month, there’s a high likelihood it reliably falls within a certain range. And if you use an excessive amount of water for one month for whatever reason, you will likely be aware of it. But if your water bill suddenly jumps for no obvious reason, there is reason to believe an outdoor leak may be the culprit.

Unexplained puddles or soft, damp ground in your yard can also be a warning that an underground water pipe is leaking. Fixing underground pipe leaks is not an easy task and it requires specialized equipment so if you notice something like this, it is a good idea to call one of our professional plumbers ASAP.

Several things can cause outdoor water pipe leaks. For example, your water line may be old, defective, or poorly installed to begin with. Improper installation or shoddy workmanship can all lead to problems down the road. As frustrating as it is, there is very little you can do besides having your water line repaired or replaced.

If your water line has been through its share of hard winters, another possibility is that extreme temperatures have been doing damage for some time. Constant exposure to freezing temperatures will take its toll even on the highest-quality pipes and eventually, they will need to be replaced.

No matter what caused the problem, though, or how you realize that it exists, it is important to get leaky water lines replaced quickly. Call 3 Mountains Plumbing today!

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