Water lines are an essential plumbing component in any household. However, these pipes can break over time due to corrosion, shifting soil, or freezing temperatures. They can also develop fractures and eventually burst at any time.

Knowing what to do when a pipe bursts can help minimize the damage and get your home back in order as soon as possible. So, how can you tell if you’re dealing with a burst pipe problem in the first place?

How To Tell if a Pipe Burst Underground: 7 Signs To Look For

Identifying a burst pipe underground can be tricky, especially since the damage is hidden beneath the surface. On the bright side, while most of your plumbing is tucked away, these signs can help you determine if you have a water pipe burst under the house:

1. Unusually High Water Bill

A sudden, unexplained spike in your water bill without significant changes in your usage is one of the most common signs of an underground pipe issue.

If you’re not consuming more water than usual, checking your water meter monthly can help you catch unusual usage early. If the numbers are fluctuating drastically, it might be time to consider consulting a professional.

2. Low Water Pressure

Water pressure issues are another possible indication that an underground pipe burst on your property. If you haven’t received any notifications about pressure changes from your water provider, a burst water line might be to blame.

Let your shower run for a minute and then flush the toilet. If the shower flow slows down or stops, there’s likely an issue with your water pressure caused by a damaged pipe.

3. Murky or Discolored Water

Water flowing through your faucets should always be clear. If you notice murky or discolored water, it may be coming from a water pipe burst under the house. Breaks in underground lines allow soil and debris to seep into your water supply, causing discoloration.

4. Sinkholes or Depressions in Your Yard

Your yard can provide helpful clues about the condition of your underground pipes. Sinkholes or depressions forming in it often signal that a leak is eroding the soil below.

Water pooling in specific areas of your yard is another sign that something is wrong. If the soil is constantly saturated without any rainfall or irrigation, an underground water line could be leaking.

5. Unusual Lush Patches of Grass

While a green lawn is usually a good thing, patches of grass growing unusually quickly could be a red flag. If a section of your yard is far lusher than the rest, it might be benefiting from water leaking from an underground pipe. This area is receiving an unintended irrigation boost, allowing the grass to grow more rapidly and appear healthier.

6. Unpleasant Odors

The smell of sewage or standing water in your home could be another tell-tale sign of a pipe issue underneath the ground. A plumbing system working correctly directs wastewater away from your house, but an underground pipe burst can interfere with this process and cause unpleasant smells to linger.

7. Mold on Walls, Ceilings or Floors

Mold can grow quickly when there’s excess moisture in your home. If you start noticing mold in unlikely areas, such as walls, ceilings, or floors, it might be a result of a hidden leak. A burst pipe can saturate materials behind the walls or under the floor, creating the perfect conditions for mold to thrive.

Even if you don’t see visible signs of mold, it’s best to take action if you notice persistent musty odors inside the house.

Ways To Test If You Have a Water Leak

Besides watching out for the signs of a burst underground pipe, it’s also possible to check for an underground leak yourself.

First, turn off all water fixtures inside your home, including your water heater and irrigation system. Then, check your water meter outside.

• If you have a digital meter, look for a flashing number on the flow screen. Any number above zero signals a leak.
• For an analog meter, check for movement in the small red triangle or small silver wheel. If either is spinning, water is still flowing through the system.

If you want to know if the leak is inside or outside the house, follow these steps:

1. Locate your home’s main water shutoff valve (usually in the garage, basement, or on an exterior wall).
2. Turn off the valve to cut off the water supply to the house.
3. Check the water meter again. If it stops, the leak is inside the home; if it keeps moving, it's probably between the house and the meter.
   

Get Professional Assistance for Your Water Emergency

Knowing how to tell if a pipe burst underground can save you from experiencing extensive property damage and costly repairs. Identifying and addressing problems early and acting quickly helps you minimize the impact on your home and, most importantly, avoid severe water damage.

Whether you’re dealing with a burst water line in your yard or wondering what to do after a pipe burst in your apartment, Restoration 1 is only a phone call away. Day or night, we’re here to take your call and send expert assistance.

Fill out a form today to get in touch with a local Restoration 1 team ready to restore your home and ensure peace of mind.