Homeowners who have a plumbing knowledge base can handle most minor water line repairs. But there are certain situations when you should call a professional. A water line is the main source of water from the street to your home, and it supplies water to your toilet, kitchen sink, shower, and much more. Often, earth shifting can wear out the water line, causing a small leak that can cost hundreds of dollars per year.
Some types of water line repair require digging and locating the problem. This task requires careful planning and a contractor who is knowledgeable of the problem. The root of the issue can also influence the type of repair. If the water line is underground, repairs are often possible using new PVC or PEX pipes. For older lines, however, excavation may be necessary. This can be costly, so only professional plumbers should do this type of work.
If you notice that your water has a discolored color, you may need to call a plumber right away. You may have soil or roots in your plumbing system, or your water might have a high metal content. Water with discoloration is an indication of pipe corrosion or sediment buildup in a storage-tank water heater. A plumber can help diagnose the problem and provide solutions. However, if you suspect the color of your water is due to sediment buildup or a leak, don’t attempt to repair it yourself.
The cost of water line repair varies based on the extent of the damage. Generally, a small repair is cheaper than a full-line replacement, but a spot repair won’t be as inexpensive. A technician’s price will depend on the type of pipe and the size and material of the pipe. A pipe buried under concrete will require more excavation. If the pipe is large, it will be more difficult to reach. When determining the cost of a water line repair, it’s important to know that you’ll have to determine how many pipes need to be repaired.
If you notice a steady increase in your water bill throughout the year, your water line is likely broken. Check your foundation, lawn, and basement to determine the cause. If you notice significant water pressure decreases in your home, it may be time to call for a water line repair. This can affect your ability to bathe or wash your dishes. It may also lead to structural damage to your home. If your water line breaks, you should get it fixed right away to prevent a major water bill.
The average cost of a main water line repair is $934, but it can vary by location and the type of repair. Materials such as pipe, valves, and bushings can range from $30 to $50 apiece. Materials such as these will make up the majority of your budget for water line repair. In addition, you should consider the fact that you may have to pay the city or town for part of your main water line that crosses the property line.
Luckily, there are many methods of water line repair available. A professional plumber can perform this task safely and without digging up your lawn. Water line repair with this method can even be performed in a garden or landscaped yard. The pros of this method include trenchless technology and camera inspections. However, if you don’t have this type of home, you can opt for conventional excavations instead. This method is also known as resleeving.
Traditional pipe replacement can cost upward of $200 per foot. However, the more time-efficient method of water line repair involves trenchless technology. While traditional pipe replacement requires digging up a lot of dirt, trenchless technology is more efficient and can take as little as one day. In addition, trenchless water line replacement can be a faster and cheaper alternative, but it requires the appropriate skills and equipment to do the job correctly. Once you choose a trenchless water line replacement method, you will be able to enjoy peace of mind.
Water line repair with trenchless technology is a DIY option that uses special epoxy to fill leaks and create new sections of pipe in an underground location. It’s also much less expensive and easier to do yourself than traditional methods. Instead of digging up your entire water line, the contractors can simply access the pipe through an existing access area. A camera is often used to monitor the interior of the pipe to identify any leaks or cracks. Once you’ve completed this process, you can then have a freshwater supply in your home as soon as possible.