While main water line problems are rare, when they happen, they affect your home’s entire plumbing system, which is why repairs and replacement are best left to the pros.
At Quahog Plumbing, we have over 15 years of experience in main water line replacement and repair. Our expert technicians use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to quickly pinpoint the problem and devise the best solution for your budget. If you suspect you have an issue with your main water line, call us for an inspection as soon as possible.
If the plumbing system in your home is over 50 years old, it may be time for a whole-home repipe. Contact Quahog Plumbing for more information.
5 Signs You Need Main Water Line Repair
Although water lines are typically buried, there are plenty of signs warning you of trouble. Here are the most common signs that you have a leak or clog in your main water line.
Puddles in Your Yard
If you notice puddles in the yard or overly lush patches, it usually means there’s an underground water leak. When underground pipes leak, the water has nowhere to go but up, making your yard look like a swamp.
Sudden Drop in Water Pressure
Strong water pressure that suddenly drops indicates a blockage or break in your main water line. Try fixing the problem with a regulator, and if that doesn’t help, call a plumber for a diagnosis.
Unexpected Rise In Water Bill
Another indication of a water leak is if your water bill rises unexpectedly. If you can’t chalk up your increasing cost to higher water usage, look to your main water line as the problem.
Cracks in the Foundation
When moisture is constantly present around your home’s foundation, it leads to cracks and structural damage because concrete absorbs water. If you notice increasing cracks in your home’s foundation, call a plumber before the damage gets worse.
Gurgling Sounds
Do you hear gurgling noises when you flush your toilet or turn on the sink? If so, it usually means you have a plumbing problem in your main water line.
Ignoring these issues won’t make them go away and eventually leads to damage that can cost thousands to repair. At the first sign of trouble, call the experts at Quahog Plumbing.
Causes Of Water Line Damage
As a homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining every aspect of your home. However, plumbing systems are notoriously challenging because many pipes are hidden or buried.
The main water line supplies water to your home, so it affects every toilet, faucet, shower, and water-based appliance when it’s damaged.
Catastrophic water line failure is rare, but it does happen. Here are the most common causes reasons a homeowner may have water line damage.
Faulty Installation
If the contractor that installed your water lines failed to pay attention or wasn’t experienced enough, it can cause water lines to fail prematurely. Also, using substandard materials to save a few bucks ends up costing you in the long run.
Freezing & Thawing
If the water lines aren’t buried deep enough, they’re exposed to freezing temperatures. Over time, freezing and thawing cause pipes to expand, weakening them and eventually leading to leaks.
Soil Shifting
Soil conditions don’t always remain static. When soil shifts, it moves pipes out of place, putting stress on the joints and leading to problems like leaks and breaks.
Sudden Water Pressure Change
Plumbing systems are designed to handle specific water pressures, so when pressure exceeds its designation, it can cause damage.
Age
All plumbing materials are subject to wear and tear as they get older, but it’s especially true for pipes made in the 40s and 50s. Clay and galvanized pipes were decent materials for their time, but they didn’t age well. If you have galvanized or clay plumbing, chances are they’re deteriorated and need replacing.
Don’t take chances with main water line replacement; call Quahog Plumbing. Our company has over 15 years of experience repairing and replacing water lines, and we stand behind our work.
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How to Know When to Repair versus Replace a Main Water Line
Replacing the main water line to your home is an expensive inconvenience, typically resulting in excavating your yard. When faced with main water line issues, most homeowners would rather repair the troubled spot instead of replacing the entire pipe.
If you’re trying to decide whether it’s better to replace or repair your water line, consider these points.
- If your main water pipe is made from materials that make repairs nearly impossible, you’re better off replacing the whole line instead of trying to do the affected section.
- If the main water line is over 50 years old, replacement is the better option because most problems occur at the end of the pipe’s lifespan and repairing it won’t solve your problems.
- If you’ve made several repairs to your water line before, consider replacing the system instead of investing more money into fixing problems that are likely to reoccur.
- If the cost to repair the pipe is half or more than the cost of installing a new line, opt for replacement. Putting in a new water line with new infrastructure is expensive, but you’ll get decades of reliable service.
