Underground water lines usually last for several decades before they need replacement. Still, during that period of time, you may run into problems with leaks or low water pressure. This is especially true for properties with poor grading or constant exposure to shifting soil.
And with the underground lines running under concrete and landscaping, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location of a problem when something goes wrong. This guide walks you through the most common causes of underground water line problems, how to recognize them, and how to address them.
When the Soil and Ground Move, They Shift Underground Water Lines
The soil in your yard is constantly on the move, expanding and contracting as temperatures shift throughout the day and across the seasons. Rainfall and drought play a huge role in this movement too. If you live in an area with a lot of clay in the ground, your pipes are much more likely to deal with shifting issues. This happens because clay soil swells up when it gets saturated and then shrinks back, pulling away from the lines as it dries out. Over time, that constant tug-of-war puts a lot of stress on your subterranean plumbing, which is how you end up with cracks and leaks.
You must also be mindful of nearby excavation and construction. When builders dig in your yard, this loosens the soil and changes its weight and distribution. It will settle and slide into different places, potentially pushing the nearby plumbing lines out of alignment. Even the vibration from heavy equipment is a common cause of soil shifting.
Temperatures Dipping Below Freezing Put Extra Stress on Underground Pipes
When you live in Melbourne, FL, the nearby Atlantic Ocean keeps the weather on the warmer side for most of the year. But the city is no stranger to Arctic fronts that push the temperature below 32°F; this usually happens a handful of times every few years.
For your subterranean pipes, the freezing weather is a huge drawback to their ability to remain structurally sound. They will expand and contract as the ice melts. Some of them may crack or burst if the pressure becomes too intense.
Tree Roots That Grow Into Underground Lines Cause Cracks and Blockages
The trees in your yard have underground roots that are continually on the search for water. As they grow, they like to wrap around subterranean pipes because of their warmth. This puts extra pressure on the lines, sometimes causing them to crack and leak. The roots will even start growing inside of the pipes, often resulting in blockages that reduce water pressure throughout the home.
Outdated Pipe Materials Are Much More Likely to Crack
When were your water lines installed? If it was several decades ago, there’s a good chance the lines are made of an outdated material, like galvanized steel or cast iron. These materials are much more likely to experience problems with corrosion and cracking because they become brittle the older they get.
They’re also more vulnerable to shifting from soil movement because they’re not nearly as flexible as some of today’s modern pipe materials, like PVC or HDPE. And when the ground moves and the pipes can’t bend with the movement, they may separate at the joints or collapse under the pressure.
Improper Installation Speeds Up Pipe Deterioration
Subterranean lines need to be installed in places with proper grading. If they’re not, they end up shifting and settling unevenly. This is why professional installation is so important. A plumber will ensure the slope of the pipe’s trench has grading that contributes to proper drainage and stability. To achieve this, the installation process may include a period of excavation when a contractor removes or adds to the surrounding soil.
Vehicle Traffic Above Underground Water Lines Can Cause Serious Damage
The last thing you want is for your subterranean lines to crack under the pressure of heavy vehicles or equipment sitting in the yard. This is a common reason we get service calls for water leaks. The installation process plays a massive role in making sure the pipes aren’t installed too shallowly.
Poor Water Quality Adds to Underground Pipe Problems
There are many homes throughout Melbourne that struggle with hard water. This means the water has a high amount of minerals in it. For your pipes, the hard water can be especially damaging to their structural integrity. Mineral buildup can become so severe that it restricts water flow, adding to stress on the lines. Over time, the problem will get worse and worse unless you install a water softener.
What Are the Main Warning Signs of Underground Water Line Leaks?
When you take time to familiarize yourself with the main red flags for subterranean waterline problems, you’re arming yourself with valuable knowledge that can save both time and money.
Here are the top clues to watch for:
- Your water pressure all of a sudden drops
- You keep noticing puddles or patches of water in your yard, even when it isn’t raining
- Certain parts of the yard have especially thick grass growth or vegetation
- Your water bill keeps going up despite no changes in usage
- Water collects around the foundation of the home
- The water has a rusty or brownish color
- The home has a moldy or mildewy smell that won’t go away
How to Test for a Main Line Leak
There’s an easy way to check for a main line leak that doesn’t require any digging. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off all water fixtures and water-using appliances in the home
- Find the water meter and check its reading
- Wait 30-60 minutes
- Go back to the water meter to check its reading again
If there’s a change in the reading, this means you have a leak.
Get Expert Water Leak Detection and Repair Today
The best thing you can do when you suspect a water leak of any kind is to call in the professionals. You don’t want to risk the leak causing your water bill to skyrocket. More importantly, you don’t want the leaking water to damage your home or cause safety problems for your family.
At Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we’ve made a name for ourselves by being experts at tracking down and repairing those tricky underground water line problems. We use advanced leak detection tools that let us pinpoint exactly where a leak is hiding, so you don’t have to worry about us tearing up your entire yard just to find it.
Our team genuinely loves helping homeowners in Melbourne and the surrounding areas with plumbing solutions that actually improve efficiency and lower utility bills.
Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today to schedule leak detection service in Melbourne. If there’s any delay, it’s YOU we pay!
