In some cases, a simple plunger routine will not solve your plumbing problems.
A majority of homeowners experience problems with their house water main (or house water service line) at some point, and in most cases, a professional will need to fix the problem. When you need a water line replacement or repair, you’ll need to know some important things.
What is a House Service Water Main?
A house water main is a pipe that brings water into your home. Water service lines are typically underground and connect your home to your community’s water supply. Your water line should not be confused with your private sewer lateral, which transports used wastewater and sewage away from the house.
Common Water Main Problems
Over time, water mains can develop holes or cracks, usually caused by corrosive soil conditions or frost.
A break in the water main will cause water to flow out of the pipe and eventually to the surface, whether it is your driveway, your front lawn, or your basement. The home’s water could be contaminated as a result of this. It is crucial not to use appliances or consume water when this occurs.
In an emergency, the main shutoff valve normally turns off the water flow through the house. If your public utility does not turn off the water flow first, you can locate the homeowner shut-off valve (next to your water meter) and shut it off yourself. A water meter key is used for this.
Leaky water valves are also common problems. There are some types of water valves (like gate valves) that tend to leak more typically. To stop the leak, you may need to tighten the packing nut on the water valve. Additional washers may be added or old washers may be replaced as other DIY methods. The best course of action is, however, to call a professional plumber to fix the leak. In order to replace the valve, professional assistance will be needed.
How to Detect Leaks in Your Plumbing
It is possible for your home to sustain extensive (and costly) structural damage through an unnoticed water leak. These can include damage to flooring and walls, mildew and mold growth, and excessive water usage that increases water bills and harms the environment.
If your water main or your plumbing have a leak, how can you detect it? Water stains on your floor or mildew on your walls are signs.
Often, leaks are hidden from view under slabs or buried in the lawn, undetectable until they cause extensive damage. You can only tell whether your plumbing is leaking by turning off all your water fixtures and checking your water meter to see if water is flowing or hiring a leak detection company. Detecting leaks in your plumbing is a specialized skill, and our team can refer you to a leak detection professional whose technology will find leaks accurately.
Water Main Repair and Replacement Tips
You should fix a leak in your water main as soon as possible in order to prevent long-term damage to your home and property.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
1) Choose a Full Replacement When Red Flags are Present
Water main red flags include:
- The home is over 50 years old
- Plumbing problems have persisted for many months/years
You may not be able to solve your water main problem with a repair.
2) Consider trenchless replacement
Trenchless technology eliminates the need to dig a large hole across the entire property in order to replace a damaged water main. Homeowners now use this strategy a great deal. Discover how trenchless pipe replacement can save you time and money.
3) Think Before You Dig
The average underground utility line in the United States is damaged once every 6 minutes? In order to protect yourself and/or your pipe repair professional from dangers such as electrocution, it’s critical to call 8-1-1 to speak to a utility line inspector before attempting water line repair or replacement. Learn more about the 8-1-1 service and underground utility replacement.
4) Do not attempt DIY repairs
Online videos and articles will outline the basic steps for pipe repair, but in our experience, this is a job that is best left to professionals. In the end, DIYers often end up paying more by having to do an expensive second attempt. If the DIY goes wrong, there may even be more damage to fix.
Consult a expert
Call M&B Services if you require assistance understanding your water main problems, or if you have questions about a water line replacement or any other plumbing issue on your property.
We service the following neighborhoods and surrounding areas in Minneapolis and St. Paul:
Minneapolis (Calhoun Isles, Camden, Central, Uptown, Southwest, University, Nokomis, Longfellow, Near North, Powderhorn)
St. Paul (Highwood Hills, Greater East Side, West Side, Dayton’s Bluff, Payne-Phalen, North End, Frogtown, Summit-University, West 7th/Fort Road, Como Park, Hamline Midway, Saint Anthony Park, Union Park, Macalester-Groveland, Highland Park, Summit Hill, Downtown)