Residential main water lines are so often neglected. This is a shame since we are talking about one of the most important parts of the plumbing system. This is the pipe that brings water into the house so it is constantly being used. When problems appear, service is disrupted, property damage can appear, and significant health hazards are possible.
Fortunately, there are options available regardless of what happened, from trenchless water line replacement to patchwork. Unfortunately, homeowners do not have the plumbing knowledge to identify that it is time to replace the waterline. This is why you should be aware of the following.
Knowing It Is Time For A Replacement
Replacements are almost always necessary when a break appears. As a result, you should be aware of the following signs the line has a problem:
Water Pressure Drops
Any clog or break in the main water line means there is less water that reaches faucets and fixtures. When you see isolated pressure drops that only affect a few parts of the home, the problem is often with a line or lines inside the home. However, when water pressure drops in the entire home, the main supply line might be a problem.
Higher Bills
If you have a minor leak, water pressure is not affected but because water runs through the waterline, it does lead to a lot of waste in time. When water bills get higher than you are used to and you already analyzed the common culprits (like a damaged sprinkler system or a leaky faucet), you have to inspect the water supply line.
Water Pools In Your Yard
This is a definite sign that there is a problem with your water line and a break is most likely possible. The home water pressure might not be affected and you could still have a problem. So, whenever you see water pooling inside the yard, it is time to investigate. This is because water that constantly seeps into the yard will loosen it. The yard can basically become a swampy mess that is a playing ground for insects.
Contaminated Water
Waterline breaks and cracks will allow debris and water to flow inside the water reaching your home. There are thus foreign materials that contaminate your water. Often, the materials include some toxic chemicals, which lead to bacteria growth. Whenever you see water that has a strange smell, is cloudy or has a weird texture, this is a sign that you might need a trenchless water line replacement.
What To Do When The Main Water Line Is Broken
After your problem was identified and the culprit is the main water line, it is time to decide if repairs are needed or a complete replacement is necessary. Usually, repairs are not advisable and you need to replace the main water line. This is especially the case with older homes that were built before the year 1960 since they might be galvanized or made out of the lead. These are nowadays banned and have to be replaced when identified.
The most important thing to remember about main water line replacements is that you cannot and should not do them alone. You will need to find a licensed professional that is certified and experienced with such projects. Inf act, this is something that might be required by law. If you decide to do the work alone, there is a very good possibility you will make things worse. And you might even end up having to pay a fine for this. Keep in mind that main water line replacements are often very serious projects that will take a long time and a lot of professional knowledge.