Hidden Leak Leads to a Bigger Catch—How One Call Helped Prevent a Major Plumbing Failure

When a concerned homeowner noticed water seeping from a joint in her water main, she knew something wasn’t right. Wasting no time, she reached out to McCray and Sons Home Services to get a professional opinion about her plumbing failure. She sent over pictures right away, allowing our team to provide a prompt virtual estimate and a plan to tackle the visible leak.

But what we found when we reviewed the images told a deeper story.

A Dangerous Connection Uncovered

Immediately upon inspection, our team noticed something troubling: just past the leaking joint, a galvanized fitting had been connected directly to copper piping—a mistake that’s not only against code but potentially very costly.

This type of dissimilar metal connection causes galvanic corrosion, a process that happens when two different metals—like galvanized steel and copper—are in contact with water. Over time, this corrosion leads to pin-hole leaks, which can go unnoticed until significant damage has already occurred.

We explained the issue to the customer and included a fix for both the original leak and the improper galvanized-to-copper connection in our estimate. She approved the repairs, and Jennifer from our office reached out the same day to get her on the schedule.

A Second Look Reveals More Plumbing Failure Leaks

Later that day, the customer took a closer look at the water main and noticed another troubling sign—water bubbling up from the ground nearby. She reached back out, and we immediately arranged for an in-person site visit to assess the situation more thoroughly.

Our technician confirmed that a second, hidden leak was present, requiring some light excavation and underground repair work. We updated the estimate to reflect the additional labor and materials needed. The customer appreciated the thorough explanation and transparency, and once again, approved the expanded scope of work.

Professional Repairs, Clean Finish

McCray and Sons completed the repairs as promised—fixing the leak, replacing the improper fittings, and addressing the underground issue. We carefully backfilled the area and left the site clean and tidy, just the way it should be.

Why It MattersThis project is a perfect reminder of how small signs—like a little water by a pipe joint—can be the first clue to bigger issues underground. It also highlights the importance of hiring knowledgeable professionals who don’t just fix the obvious issue, but take the time to inspect and explain underlying risks.

At McCray and Sons Home Services, we don’t just fix problems—we help prevent future ones.