When you have an issue with your home water supply, you need an immediate solution. Cooking, bathing and cleaning are not daily activities that can wait. Also, pipe failure can lead to further damage, spillage and high water bills.
Find out the truth about water line repair vs replacement: must-know facts before you decide what to do. Also, learn about the possible solutions and potential costs.
Key Takeaways
- Your water line provides access to running water.
- Water line issues can compromise your family’s water supply and health.
- Pipes have a limited lifespan.
- Leaks can damage your home and property.
- Leakage raises your water bill.
- Age and stress can cause pipe damage.
What is a Main Water Line and Why it Matters
Your home’s water supply comes from a larger source like a municipal system or a well. It travels via an underground pipe to your water meter, and then through your open shut-off valve to your home plumbing system.
When your main water line is not working as it should, this compromises your household water supply and your family’s health. It can also damage your property due to leakage. As a homeowner, you are responsible to repair or replace the supply line that runs from your water main to your home.
This line is a single pipe that draws from a communal water source, such as an aquifer. In rural areas, it might draw from a well on your property. In either case, the pipe may be made of copper, galvanized steel, PVC or PEX. Each material has an expiration date, and once that is expired, you should start looking into replacement before serious issues strike. Sometimes, factors other than age can damage your supply line, too, requiring repair or early replacement.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Damage to Your Water Line?
Water lines, especially the main supply pipe, endures almost constant water pressure. If your supply pipe is copper or PEX, it will likely last around 50 years. Galvanized steel piping has a life expectancy of 20 to 50 years while PVC pipes can work reliably for up to 70 years. These numbers reflect regular maintenance and minimal added stress.
Besides the age of your supply line, which in some cases is the age of your home, the following issues affect the longevity of your main water pipe:
- Root growth from adjacent trees
- Movement from shifting soil, earthquakes or other causes
- Yearly cycles of freezing and thawing in the surrounding ground
- Problems with initial pipe installation
Clear Signs You Need to Repair or Replace Your Water Line
Even though your water line is underground, clear signals may arise that call for a plumber’s expertise. If you notice any of the following signs, you need to contact your plumber.
Rapid Drop in Water Pressure
While a drop in pressure can be due to issues like clogs, a sudden change throughout your home suggests a water main issue. Your plumber can tell you for sure.
Rusty or Discolored Tap Water
Discolored tap water signals contamination. A crack in your main water pipe may be allowing dirt and vegetation into your line.
Unusually High Water Bills
If your main water line is leaking, your usage adds up fast. A big water bill is a strong indication you need to repair or replace the pipe.
Water Pooling or Mushy Areas Outdoors
Water leaking from your main supply line can rise to the surface and create mushy areas. If you notice unusual dampness or pooling, call for help.
Musty Smells of Mold and Mildew Indoors
Water leaks are prime territory for mold and mildew growth. If areas of your home smell musty, you may have a leak.
Cracks Forming in the Home’s Foundation or Driveway
Leakage can seep into your home’s foundation or your concrete driveway and cause cracks. This is a sign of plumbing issues.
Sounds of Running Water When Taps Are Shut Off
If you hear running water at night or when nobody else is home, be suspicious. Confirm all your taps and appliances are off, and if the sound persists, call your plumber.
Pros and Cons of Water Line Repair: Is It Right for You?
When issues come up with your main water supply line, you may be able to get by with repairs rather than replacement. Find out the facts before you decide.
Issues Your Plumber Can Repair
- Minor cracks or leaks
- Damages isolated to a specific section
- Systems with newer pipes
The pros of repairing your water main include:
- Lower initial cost
- Faster than replacement
- Less disruptive to your household
The cons of repairing rather than replacing include:
- Temporary fix if your pipes are older
- Risk of recurring leaks
- Full replacement is inevitable sooner or later
Pros and Cons of Water Line Replacement: Is It a Smarter Decision for You?
Before paying for recurring repairs to your water supply line, consider whether it’s time to replace it instead. The age of your line, the extent of the damage and your budget are all important factors.
When to Replace Instead of Repair
- Aging pipe with multiple leaks
- Potentially dangerous materials such as lead
- Continuous pressure problems
The pros of pipe replacement instead of repair are multiple. These include:
- Long-term solution
- Consistent water quality and pressure
- An increase in property value
Keep in mind that replacing the main water line takes more time to complete than a repair. The cons of the process may be:
- A higher upfront cost
- More extensive work required
Modern Solutions: Trenchless Repair and Pipe Bursting
Modern technology allows you to bypass expensive and invasive excavation when fixing or replacing your water main. This translates to savings in terms of time and money.
Trenchless repair is a method of relining your supply line in place with a flexible liner. Once in place, the resin-soaked liner hardens within the existing pipe to seal cracks and other damage.
Pipe bursting can replace a supply line without excavation. First, a machine forces a bursting head through the buried pipe to break it apart. It pulls a new pipe into place directly behind it. This method works best for smaller diameter pipes between four and 24 inches. Both trenchless methods are faster and less invasive than traditional pipe repair and replacement.
Key Questions to Ask Your Plumber
Once your plumber diagnoses your water supply problem, answers some key questions can help you decide how to proceed:
- How extensive is the damage?
- What material is the failing pipe made of?
- Will repairs void any warranties or insurance coverage?
- How long can I expect each option to last?
Proactive Tips to Avoid Future Repairs
Take care of your plumbing to avoid serious issues in the future. Make sure to schedule your annual inspection with your plumbers to catch any emergent issues. Have them install a pressure regulator that prevents undue strain on your pipes. Ask about smart water monitors, which alert you to leaks before they do serious damage. Also, avoid planting trees and/or digging near utility lines.
By being proactive when issues do arise, you can avoid costly damage to your home and landscape. When in doubt, get the advice of a plumbing professional to ensure your water supply is secure. In the Clearwater, Fla., and surrounding areas, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides water line repair and replacement to keep your household water supply running strong.