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6 Signs of a Broken Water Pipe Outside Your House

If you have a leaky pipe inside your house, chances are you’ll notice it pretty quickly. When water seeps through your walls or the ceiling, that’s a good indication you have a leak that shouldn’t be ignored. However, water pipe leaks or burst pipes outside of your house can be harder to detect. Fortunately, there are some signs you can watch for that will alert you if you have a broken water pipe outside your house.

If you need help with broken pipes, contact the plumbing experts at YES! or call 844-216-9300 and speak with a technician.

6 Signs of an Exterior Water Leak

Here are six signs to watch for that indicate a potential broken water pipe outside the house.

  1. Higher Than Usual Water Bill

While your water bill may not be the same every month, it probably stays within a specific, predictable range. If you use significantly more water one month than is typical for your household, you’ll probably be aware of why and how it is higher. But if your water bill suddenly increases for no reason you can discern, the culprit may be a leaky pipe somewhere or even a broken pipe outside your home.

  1. Unexplained Puddles

Unexplained puddles in your yard can be another indication that an outside pipe is leaking. If you notice something like this, you should contact a professional plumber right away before more significant damage occurs. Fixing underground pipe leaks is a challenge, requiring special equipment most homeowners don’t have in their toolboxes. 

  1. Low Water Pressure

If your indoor or outdoor water pressure seems lower than usual, this could be a cause for concern. A sudden drop in water pressure when using faucets or hoses, especially when using multiple fixtures simultaneously, may suggest a water line break outside your house or, at the very least, a leak in the pipes. The reduced pressure occurs as water escapes through the leak, affecting the flow to your faucets, showers, and other water outlets.

  1. Hissing or Bubbling Sounds Coming from Your Pipes

Listen closely—unusual sounds emanating from the pipes, such as hissing or bubbling, can also be a red flag. These noises indicate water escaping through a small opening, which may be a broken plumbing pipe. If you hear unusual sounds when water is not actively in use, it's a good idea to investigate further, as the sounds may lead you to the location of the leak.

  1. Frequently Clogged Drains

Frequent clogging of drains, especially in outdoor areas like driveways or garden drains, may indicate a water leak. Leaking water can carry soil and debris into the pipes, causing blockages. If you notice persistent drain issues, it's worth considering the possibility of an outdoor pipe leak.

  1. Discolored Water

Keep an eye on the color of your water. If the water appears rusty or has an unusual color, it could mean that soil or contaminants are entering the water supply through a breach in the pipes. There could be a water pipe broken under your house or a leaky line somewhere in your yard. Promptly addressing this issue is crucial to ensure the safety of your water supply.

Contact YES! for help with plumbing pipe repair or replacement.

What Causes a Water Leak Outside?

There are several reasons that leaks in your outdoor pipes can develop, and many of them are plumbing problems you shouldn’t try to fix by yourself. 

Corrosion of Old Pipes

Your pipes may be old, especially if your home was built more than twenty years ago. One of the primary causes of outside pipes leaking is corrosion. 

Over time, pipes can corrode due to exposure to the elements, soil conditions, and the quality of the water flowing through them. Corrosion weakens the pipe material, leading to cracks and leaks. Metal pipes, such as those made of iron or steel, are particularly susceptible to corrosion.

Improper Installation or Materials

Improper installation or shoddy workmanship can all lead to problems later on. Pipes that are not correctly joined or sealed are more likely to develop leaks. 

Investing in high-quality materials and hiring experienced professionals for installation can minimize the risk of leaks. As frustrating as it is, there is very little you can do except have the leaky pipes fixed by a trusted professional.

Extreme Temperatures

Another possibility is that extreme temperatures have been damaging the pipes over time. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it’s possible your pipes have frozen or come close to it from time to time. 

When water freezes, it expands and exerts pressure on the pipe walls. This constant pressure will take its toll on even the highest-quality pipes, eventually requiring replacement.

Ground Movement

Shifting soil or ground movement can put stress on underground pipes. This is especially true in regions prone to seismic activity, unstable soil conditions, or construction zones. Proper installation and regular monitoring of ground conditions can reduce the risks associated with ground movement.

High Water Pressure

Excessively high water pressure can strain pipes, causing leaks and other damage. Water pressure that exceeds the recommended levels can cause stress on the pipe integrity, resulting in the development of cracks or ruptures. Installing pressure regulators and routinely checking and adjusting water pressure can help prevent leaks caused by excessive force.

Tree Roots

As much as we love our mature trees, their presence near underground pipes can be a sneaky cause of leaks. Tree roots are naturally drawn to sources of water, and they can infiltrate pipes through small cracks or joints. 

As roots grow and expand, they exert pressure on the pipes, causing them to break and leak. Regular inspections and root barriers can help mitigate this risk. It is possible to protect your pipes and keep your trees healthy.

Contact the Experts at YES! for Help with Your Broken Water Pipes

No matter the cause of a broken pipe outside your house or how you discover its existence, addressing the problem immediately is essential. Reach out to our licensed plumbers at YES! right away. 

Understanding the causes allows you to be proactive about preventing pipe leaks. Regular maintenance, frequent inspections by a professional, and promptly addressing any signs of leaks can help minimize any damage caused by water flowing where it shouldn’t be. The problem will only continue to get worse if you don’t act fast.


At YES!, we provide 24/7 emergency plumbing repair, so contact us for your emergency plumbing needs. Contact our team by calling 844-216-9300 to speak with a technician today.

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