A frequent misconception is that every main water line leak will result in a corresponding loss of water pressure.
Main water pipe leak repair.
While fairly straightforward it certainly won t be easy or clean work.
The most common factor leading to a water main break is natural wear and tear.
If you find yourself having to repair your water main you re making the right choice to deal with the issue right away.
Actually even if a water main repair is needed it is quite unusual to have a loss of pressure.
Leaking sewer water can also lead to a ponding condition in your yard which is unsanitary.
The average life span of a water main is 60 years some may last a lot longer and some may leak earlier.
Find the exact source of the leak because pipe leaks in the middle of a straight run might use a quick fix method that is different from what is needed near a pipe fitting.
Just like any other type of pipe poly pipe does not last forever and can develop leaks with time and with the help of tree roots.
They can be onsite faster to turn off the water and start inspecting your water main to find the leak source.
If there s a problem with the water meter this is the water company s responsibility.
Avoiding even a small water main leak can lead to more costly damages in the future.
Sewer water leaking from a pipe joint or broken pipe washes away the soil supporting the drain system.
Assuming that you ve located the site of the leak and it s not a water main but a pipe on the meter side of your house the diy option would be to dig a trench around the leak repair the pipe refill the hole and patch the damage to your landscape.
Eventually the leak will undermine your drain pipes and cause sags or separations.
Having a leak on a service line is no different than having a sink or other plumbing fixture running in your house.
Another common reason for a water main to leak before reaching the 60 year point is shoddy plumbing.
The costs associated with your water main repair will depend on the location of your break and the ease of access.
Responsibility for damaged water pipes.
The diagram shows how the water supply is connected to your property.
If the leak is due to a damaged water pipe or if the pipe bursts responsibility for fixing it depends on which section of the pipe is damaged.
Once the water supply is shut off decide how to fix a leaky pipe temporarily to prevent damage until a more permanent repair can be made.
Local services know how quickly water damage can spread.
Black polyethylene or pe pipe comes in very long rolls and is used in many areas for the water main between the meter and the house and for sprinkler systems.
See our cost guide and find out the cost of your water main break repair.