Large Water Bill: A water main line leak may start out small, but a lot of water will still be leaking out over the course of a month. In many cases, the first sign of a possible water main line leak is a water bill that is much higher than normal. If you receive a huge water bill, it is in your best interest to have your plumbing system, including the main line, inspected by a professional.

Standing Water in Yard: When a main line leak goes undetected for an extended period of time, the water that is leaking out will eventually rise to the surface. Pools of standing water in the yard when there hasn’t been heavy rain or the development of sinkholes due to saturated soil are often red flags that indicate a problem with the water main line.

Low Water Pressure: If the main line pipe is cracked, pressure within the pipe will be compromised and water won’t flow with the same force that it normally does. Pay attention to the water pressure in the shower and when turning on the faucets—a dramatic drop in water pressure should be investigated.

Noticeable Hissing Sound: A simple way to figure out is your water main is leaking is by listening for a hissing sound. Since the water main line is buried and not easy to access, you will need to observe the area where the water main line enters your home. Carefully listen for any sounds coming from the pipe and have your main line inspected by a professional if you hear any hissing.