As homeowners, we often think about the visible aspects of our homes—keeping the walls freshly painted, the lawn neatly trimmed, and the interiors cozy and welcoming. However, it’s easy to overlook the more major systems operating beneath the surface, to be more specific, the plumbing. You already know how important plumbing is; after all, even a clogged-up bathroom sink can wreak havoc and get in the way of your lifestyle. But it’s not just the above-the-surface plumbing like a clogged sink or toilet. What’s just as important is the plumbing that you don’t see- you technically interact with it daily, but you do not necessarily think about it. Underground plumbing is vital to our daily lives, carrying water to and from our homes efficiently and effectively. When something goes wrong down there, it can lead to significant issues that disrupt our comfort and peace of mind. But how can you tell if you need underground plumbing repair? With that said, let’s explore 8 common signs that your house needs underground plumbing repair.
8 Common Signs That Your House Needs Underground Plumbing Repair
1. Random Puddles in Your Yard
So, just think about this scenario for a moment; you’re walking out into your yard on a sunny day, only to find inexplicable puddles of water in various spots. Unless you’ve recently had rain or your sprinkler system has gone haywire, these pools of water can be a red flag. Underground leaks can saturate the soil, causing water to rise to the surface. It’s not just an inconvenience; it can damage your landscaping and compromise the foundation of your home. So, if you notice persistent wet spots that don’t dry up, it’s wise to have a plumber investigate.
2. Unpleasant Odor Around
So, you have to keep in mind that a functioning plumbing system should be odorless. Just think about your kitchen or bathroom; there are no odors around the drain, right? Well, that’s a good thing! If you start noticing a foul smell around your home or yard, it could be a sign of a sewage leak. Every home and commercial space is attached to municipal sewage lines, and these are designed to carry waste away from your home efficiently, but when these lines crack or break, they can leak waste into the surrounding soil.
Usually, the odor smells of rotten eggs, a scent everyone hates. So, chances are the pipe is broken (usually cast iron), so the chances are high that a cast iron pipe replacement is in order. While yes, the smell alone is super unbeatable; it’s not just a bad stench; it’s a health hazard to your family and pets and, technically, to your neighbors, too. So you have to take action on this ASAP, or it’s going to get worse!
3. There’s Constant Clogging
Needless to say, we all deal with a clogged drain now and then, but if you find that multiple drains in your home are slow or backing up simultaneously, it could indicate a deeper issue. This is usually one of the more telling signs that something is happening. When underground pipes are damaged or blocked, it affects the entire plumbing system, leading to widespread drainage problems.
4. Unusually High Water Bill
For most people, if they have no idea, there’s a leak, and all of a sudden there’s a high water bill, then they know something is happening in their home. So, are you seeing any changes? If you have a meter, make sure to check that too. If you haven’t drastically increased your water usage but your bill has skyrocketed, it’s worth investigating.
Leaks in underground pipes can go unnoticed for a long time, silently wasting water and driving up costs. Overall, monitoring your water bill can be a practical way to detect hidden issues early on.
5. Cracks in Your Homes Foundation
Your home’s foundation is essential for structural integrity. This is so basic, but at the same time, it’s just so neglected too. If you notice new cracks appearing in your foundation, walls, or floors, it could be due to an underground plumbing problem. Water from leaking pipes can erode the soil beneath your home, leading to foundation shifts and cracks.
Sure, this takes time, but it’s still far from ideal. Plus, it’s extremely expensive to fix up a home’s foundation. These cracks not only indicate a potential plumbing issue but can also compromise the safety and stability of your home. It’s crucial to address such problems promptly to avoid costly repairs in the future.
6. Patches of Lush Green Grass
No puddles, but your grass is looking a little too lush and green in some areas. Well, even that could be a bad sign! Leaking pipes can provide extra moisture to certain areas, promoting more vigorous plant growth; again, it doesn’t always have to be a puddle.
While it may look nice, it’s a clear sign that something isn’t right beneath the surface. This extra moisture can eventually lead to more serious issues like soil erosion and foundation damage. It’s usually just one specific spot where the grass is super lush.
7. Low Water Pressure
Experiencing low water pressure can be incredibly frustrating, especially when trying to take a shower or do the dishes. But has it only recently gotten bad? Well, in this case, it could be due to a leak or blockage in your underground plumbing. Low pressure might mean that water is escaping through a crack or hole in the pipe, reducing the amount that makes it to your faucets and fixtures. Basically, after a couple of times of this happening, you should hire a plumber and get this looked into immediately.
8. You Keep Hearing Running Water
Hearing the sound of running water when all your taps are turned off is another telltale sign of an underground plumbing issue. This usually indicates a leak somewhere in the system. It’s easy to ignore this subtle noise, but it’s essential to pay attention and investigate. Is this constant? For example, you haven’t turned the faucet on for over an hour, but the noise is still there? Yeah, that definitely means there’s a leak! So, ignoring it can lead to significant water wastage and damage over time- plus, it’s just way too expensive.
