The most obvious sign is unexplained water pooling in your yard, driveway, or street without recent rain. This often indicates a significant break that needs immediate attention to prevent property damage.
Other warning signs include sudden drops in water pressure throughout your home, unusually high water bills, wet spots in your basement, or hissing sounds from underground pipes. Discolored water with brown or red tints can signal pipe corrosion and potential failure.
If you notice any of these symptoms, shut off your main water supply immediately and call for emergency repair. A broken main line can leak up to 90 gallons per minute, causing extensive damage to your foundation, landscaping, and neighboring properties.