Signs You Have a Water Main LeakSigns You Have a Water Main Leak
 
It’s very important to catch a water main leak early before it has a chance to turn into something more serious. If you watch out for certain signs, you just might catch a water main leak in time.
Bubbling
This is one of the more common and obvious signs that a water main leak has occurred. When there has been a rupture in the pipeline and the water has nowhere else to go, it may end up bubbling up into the street. Anytime you see that happen make sure that you contact the city immediately so they can get to work fixing it.
 
Water Pressure Changes
A less obvious sign that there is a water main leak might be a reduction in water pressure for nearby homes or businesses. This can be a particularly difficult one to figure out, because if all of the people that are affected don’t speak to one another, they all might think it’s just an isolated incident. The water in these affected places may also be discolored along with the low water pressure.
Even though it usually won’t mean a water main leak , it’s still wise to contact your local water utility if you notice a sudden decrease in water pressure in your home or business. If multiple people call reporting the same thing, they will take it seriously and go check it out.
Sinkholes
If the water from a water main leak just stays below the surface under the ground, it may soften the earth and damage the underground infrastructure, causing sinkholes to form on the surface. Most people have probably seen giant sinkholes on the news, and a water main leak doesn’t mean you’ll get ones like that, but even small sinkholes are damaging and inconvenient. Again, it’s wise to call the water utility anytime you notice water running under the surface.
Causes
 
Exterior corrosion of older pipes that creates holes.
Thinner pipe walls in certain parts of the system than in others.
Expanding soil that surrounds the pipes due to frozen ground in winter.
Poor installation.
Seismic activity.
Other underground disturbances.
Keeping the integrity of the water mains intact is crucial to keep the water flowing inside the pipes and nowhere else. Some of the causes can be remedied by careful inspection and adjustment, but some are out of anyone’s control. The only thing any municipality can do is work on preventative measures and have a sound emergency water main valve program in place.
Prevention