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A customer called about wet spots in her yard that wouldn’t dry out. Turned out her main water line had been leaking underground for weeks. Water bill was astronomical and the leak was undermining her foundation. We got it repaired before it caused structural damage.
Water main problems are serious because it’s your main supply line. When it fails, you’ve got no water or you’re losing tons of water underground.
For small leaks in otherwise good pipe, repair makes sense. We dig down, cut out the damaged section, and install a new piece.
If the pipe is old and corroded, replacement is usually smarter. One repair now often leads to another soon after. Better to replace it once.
We assess the overall condition and give honest recommendations.
First, we locate the leak. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times it requires leak detection equipment.
We mark the leak location and call 811 to mark other utilities. We never dig blindly.
We excavate carefully to expose the pipe. This means digging a trench through your yard.
We cut out the damaged section and remove it.
We install a new pipe section, usually PEX or copper.
We pressure test to make sure everything is sealed.
We backfill the trench and restore your yard as best we can.
Sometimes we can repair or replace water mains without full excavation.
These options work in certain situations. They are not always possible depending on pipe condition and location.
They cost more for the plumbing work but often save on landscaping costs.
Water main work requires permits and coordination with the city.
The city may need to shut off the water at the street.
They inspect the work before everything is buried.
We handle all permits and coordination so you don’t have to.
Excavation means tearing up landscaping.
We do our best to minimize damage and restore the area.
Grass takes time to grow back and some homeowners choose professional landscaping afterward.
Plan for this when budgeting repairs.
If your water main breaks suddenly, it’s an emergency.
Water flooding your property, street, or basement needs immediate attention.
Call us and shut off the water at the meter if possible. Sometimes the city must shut it off at the street.
Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover water main breaks, many do not.
Separate water line insurance is available and usually costs around $5 to $10 per month.
Check your coverage or contact your insurance agent.
Keep all receipts and documentation for claims.
Homeowners are usually responsible for the line from the house to the property edge.
The city is usually responsible from the street to the property line.
This varies by location, so verify local rules.
If the break is on the city side, they fix it. If it’s on your side, you fix it.
Water main repair typically runs $1500 to $3000, depending on depth and access.
Full replacement from house to street can cost $3000 to $6000 or more.
Difficult access, deep pipes, or long distances increase costs.
Landscaping restoration is additional.
There is no real way to prevent water main failures. The pipe is underground and aging.
Knowing where the line runs helps avoid damaging it when digging.
If your house is over 50 years old and the line has never been replaced, it may be needed eventually.
Your water will be shut off during active work.
We try to restore service by the end of the day when possible.
You may need to shower elsewhere on repair day.
Sometimes water main leaks cause hidden problems like foundation undermining, erosion, or saturated soil.
If we discover these issues during repairs, we let you know. Additional specialists may be needed.
Got water main problems? My Local Plumber at http://www.mylocalplumber.net can locate and repair water main leaks before they cause major damage.
