Owning an older home or fixer-upper can be very rewarding, but it can also raise questions about the water lines coming into your home. Water lines are quite sturdy, but they do age. If your home was built in 1950 or earlier, you could be dealing with a water line that may need replacement.
According to average lifespans from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, different materials used for main water lines may last:
- Brass – 40–70 years
- Copper – 50 years
- Galvanized steel – 20–50 years
- Cast iron – 70–100 years
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – indefinite
- Lead – 100 years
So, how can you tell if your water line may have developed a leak? Here are some common signs:
- Yard puddling – Water main lines run underground and directly into your home. If a leak develops beneath your yard, the surrounding ground may become saturated, causing soggy areas or puddles at the surface.
- Very high water bill – If you notice a sudden, significant increase in your water bill without an increase in water usage, you may have a water main leak.
- Significant decrease in water pressure – If the faucets and showerheads throughout your home suddenly have much less water pressure, a leak may have developed somewhere in the system. When the pressure loss affects the entire home, the main water line could be the source of the problem.
- Water discoloration – If your water has turned brown or you notice dirt or sediment in it, soil may be entering the water through a break somewhere in the line.
- Water around the foundation of your home (slab) – If your home sits on a slab and the main water line is embedded in the concrete, a leak can still develop. Because the pipe is encased, leaking water may escape toward the outside of the foundation and begin to puddle.
If you’re concerned that your home’s main water line may be aging or you think you may have a leak, call Carney Plumbing Heating & Cooling today. Our team can help you understand what may be happening and what your next steps should be.