Your home’s main water line connects to and supplies every fixture—thus, it’s no overstatement to call it critical for home comfort. Yet home water lines can develop leaks that cause unnecessary water waste and property damage. Therefore, homeowners should learn the most common sources of main line leaks, how to identify them, and when to contact professionals for help. Moreover, they can opt for expert water leak detection and main water line repair.
Whether you need such a repair or another plumbing service, Hicks Plumbing can deliver results. Our team of trained plumbers and technicians offers unparalleled expertise and customer service thanks to 30+ years of experience. We pride ourselves on being trustworthy and reliable, and our customer reviews speak to our work quality. Choosing Hicks Plumbing means putting your McLean, VA, home in good hands. For more information on how our plumbers can help, call (703) 803-7466.
Below, we list 5 frequent sources of main water line leaks:
1. Corrosion
Corrosion is among the most common causes of water line leakage. These pipes are exposed to chemicals, minerals, and other corrosive elements during years of use. The accumulated effects of these exposures include small cracks in the pipes, serving as an exit point for leaks.
You can identify corrosion-related water line leaks through discoloration or staining around the pipes, especially near joints or valves. If you spot any such signs of corrosion, call a professional plumber to assess the damage and replace the affected materials.
2. Aging Pipes
Even without exposure to corrosive chemicals, pipes break down due to simple old age. The reasons for breaking down may stem from their composition; old pipes are often made from outdated or inferior materials compared to new ones. But even the best-made pipes suffer gradual wear and tear, which leads to cracks and holes.
You can help prevent such issues by having your water lines on a regular maintenance schedule. Routine inspections and intermittent pipe replacements can prevent leaks and prolong the lifespan of your water system.
3. Tree Roots
Next, tree roots often grow around pipes and even infiltrate them, causing stress and cracks. Unrestricted tree root growth can cause significant damage, which leads to water wastage and expensive repairs.
Avoid tree root-related water line leaks by planting trees away from your home’s water lines or hiring a professional to install a root barrier. Slow drainage, bubbling sounds, or damp grass near your water line often indicate tree root infiltration. Call a plumber to assess the situation and remove any tree roots causing damage.
4. High Water Pressure
Furthermore, high water pressure can cause water line leaks to occur. When the internal pressure is too high, the stress cracks piping materials. Internal water pressure should remain between 40 and 80 PSI—anything above that can cause damage.
Hire a technician to install a pressure regulator to prevent high water pressure. A pressure regulator provides a proverbial “cushion” for the pipes, prolonging their lifespan and preventing leaks.
5. Shifting Ground
A shifting ground can put undue pressure on the pipes and even crack them. The causes range from natural causes—earthquakes or floods—to human ones—heavy construction and soil settlement. Proper water line installation can prevent ground shifts from damaging your water line. Specifically, correct installation entails ample space between the pipes and the ground. Also, opt for regular maintenance and inspections to identify issues early and prevent significant damage.
Look to Hicks Plumbing for Main Water Line Repair in McLean, VA
Leaks in your main water line can lead to high water bills and even higher main water line repair costs. If you suspect such a leak in your McLean, VA, home, look to Hicks Plumbing to assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. Our expert plumbers can help you identify leaks early, prevent significant damage, and prolong the life of your water system. Call us at (703) 803-7466 today to schedule a plumbing appointment.