Water main leaks are one of the biggest plumbing headaches a homeowner can suffer through. Thankfully for homeowners in the greater Portland area, there are some tell tale signs that’ll be able to tell you that something is amiss.

Discolored Water

Brownish dirty water is one of the first signs of a water main leak. When the line breaks, it allows in outside elements into the pipe and it mingles with the water. These materials, (usually dirt) mix with the water that enters your home. At this point, the water quality is compromised, making this one of the most dangerous types of water main leaks. If you notice your water doesn’t look the way water should, it’s probably time to call a plumber.

Unexplained Puddles Around the Property

Unexplainable puddles are never a good sign (especially if you have pets). When you find these little surprises near the sink or another otherwise dry part of the house, that is a good indicator that something is leaking inside your home. But that’s not the only place a water main leak can cause an unwanted puddle.

If your yard is particularly damp in one certain area, despite a lack of rain, it is almost always indicative of a plumbing issue below the surface of your property. Since water mains go underground into your home, it makes sense that damage to one would result in water leaking out into your yard. In fact, this is one of the biggest water main leak signs you can encounter and is likely to come hand in hand with dirty, discolored water inside your home.

Low Water Pressure

Can’t seem to get a decent shower in? Is your sink having a hard time producing anything more than a light drizzle? Is your washer struggling to fill up all the way? You’re likely suffering from low water pressure, another of the common water main leak signs. When a pipe is cracked, corroded, or otherwise damaged, it has an effect on the water inside and how efficiently is can move through the plumbing.

Be advised, though: low water pressure can also be caused by a blockage in the water line. In fact, blockages can result in many of the same issues caused by leaks. A plumber will be able to determine which of the issues is the main culprit, but keep that in mind before you panic about the cost of a leak repair, especially if it only seems to be one fixture acting up.

Water Damage, Mold, and Mildew

Maybe some of the most unpleasant water main leak signs because it means additional repairs to your home, water damage, mold, and mildew are common when dealing with leaks of any sort, water main or otherwise. These three things happen when there’s a buildup of water/moisture where there isn’t usually meant to be one. Water damage to your house seriously impairs its structural integrity and mold/mildew can be particularly harmful to your health if you come in contact with the spores. The allergic reactions to said spores have a history of being severe in nature.

Does any of this ring a bell to you? These are the most common water main leak signs a homeowner can find, and even if a leak isn’t the culprit, they’re still indicative of major problems with your system. Call the plumbing pros at Cornel Plumbing today! We can sort out any plumbing woes you may have in your Beaverton or Portland home!

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