The Signs of a Broken Water Main

A broken water main is an emergency situation that must be corrected by a professional with experience in this type of serious problem. The average plumber may not have the knowledge, skills, background or tools necessary to deal with a broken water main.  You need to call in a company that specializes in these tough jobs to get your repairs done right.

So, how do you know when you need to call in a professional company specializing in water main repair? It is a good idea to know the signs of a broken water main so you can respond promptly and get the issue fixed correctly.

What are the Signs of a Broken Water Main?
Here are some of the key signs of a broken water main that you should be on the lookout for:

• A stream of water is the most common sign that there has been a break in your water main.  A stream of water does not always mean that the water main is leaking, especially because water tends to seek the weakest point and can flow through walls. A stream of water could be coming from your own pipe, or the leak could be coming from a neighbor’s house and the water may have ended up in your area because it took the path of least resistance. Still, a stream of water on the road outside your home, on the outside of your property or in the foundation wall is a big red flag that you may have a water main break. If you see a stream where one does not belong, call in a plumber for help.
• A rumbling or a hissing noise is also an indicator that you may have a leaking water main.  You should not hear any sounds from your water main unless there is a faucet turned on or unless something else in your home is actively using water at the moment. If all sources of water have been turned off and the water main is not being used, there should be no noise in the water pipe at all. If you hear a hissing or a rumbling noise in the water main even when nothing is running, this is an indicator that water is getting out somewhere in between the city water main that is located on the road and the pipes bringing the water into your home. You’ll need to call in a professional to find the source of the leak where water is getting out of the water main. 
• A loss of water pressure is a sign of a problem.  While there may be other causes of lost water pressure besides a leak or problem with the water main, you still need to get to the bottom of why your water is suddenly not coming out as strong.  A leak in the water main can reduce water pressure and is a very real possibility.

These are just a few of the key signs to be on the lookout for. As soon as you suspect problems with the water main, get help from a professional.