Top 7 Signs of a Broken Pipe Outside to Watch For

Detecting a plumbing issue within your home is usually straightforward; a dripping faucet or a running toilet is hard to miss. However, underground issues are far more elusive. Recognizing the signs of a broken pipe outside is crucial for maintaining your property’s value and preventing catastrophic structural damage. An external water line break can waste thousands of gallons of water and erode your home's foundation.

Visual Indicators in Your Yard

The most obvious clues often appear on your landscape. If you know what to look for, your yard will tell you if something is wrong underground.

Unexplained Puddles and Lush Patches

Have you noticed soggy spots on your lawn even though it hasn't rained in days? This is one of the most common signs of a broken pipe outside. As water escapes the main line, it seeks the surface, creating mud or standing water.

Similarly, look for patches of grass that are significantly greener or taller than the rest of the lawn. While a lush lawn is desirable, an isolated patch of "supercharged" growth usually indicates that sewage or fresh water is acting as fertilizer from a leak below.

Sinkholes and Pavement Cracks

When a pipe bursts, the escaping water washes away the surrounding soil. This erosion creates voids underground, eventually leading to sinkholes. Be wary of any depressions in your yard. Furthermore, check your driveway and walkways. If structural pressurized water undermines the concrete, you may see sudden cracks or shifting slabs.

Changes in Water Utility Performance

Sometimes the evidence isn't visible on the grass but is reflected in your home's utility performance.

Skyrocketing Water Bills

A sudden, unexplained spike in your water bill is often the first indicator of a hidden leak. If your usage habits haven't changed but your costs have doubled, you are likely paying for water that is disappearing into the ground. Monitoring your monthly statement is the most reliable way to spot signs of a broken pipe outside.

Low Water Pressure

A significant breach in the main water line will divert water away from your home, resulting in a noticeable drop in water pressure at your faucets and showers. If the pressure is low throughout the entire house, rather than just one fixture, the problem likely lies in the supply line.

Dirty or Smelly Water

The condition of the water coming out of your taps can also signal an external break.

• Discoloration: If your water looks brown or rusty, soil or corrosion might be entering the pipes through a crack.
• Unpleasant Odors: If the broken pipe is a sewer line, you might smell a foul, egg-like odor in your yard or even inside your home. This is a hazardous situation requiring immediate professional attention.

Auditory Clues

Finally, listen carefully. In some cases, you can hear the leak before you see it. A gurgling, hissing, or bubbling sound coming from the pipes, or the sound of running water when all taps are off, clearly points to a plumbing failure.

By staying vigilant and watching for these signs of a broken pipe outside, you can catch leaks early, saving money on repairs and utilizing resources responsibly.