Posts Tagged ‘main water line’

 

How to Repair Your Main Water Line

Tuesday, March 25th, 2014

How to Repair Your Main Water Line - Plumbers

A home’s main water line attaches to the water company’s big water line and runs directly into the house. When this breaks, it can quickly overflow and even enter into the home. Often these breaks require a simple repair, but in some extreme cases, a main water line must be replaced.

Contact 8-1-1 First

To access the main water line a trench must be dug. Before any digging commences, 8-1-1 should be dialed. Contacting this free service, available in all states within the United States, is required before anyone (professional or do-it-yourself) digs into the ground.

The service will come out and mark the locations of the water line so that the digging area is outlined and obvious. This prevents any accidental digs into gas lines. The service is free and essential for digging safety.

Check on Permits

Some cities require a permit before a main water line can be repaired or replaced. Contact the local building authority for any permit requirements and obtain the necessary permit before digging; otherwise, the project could be fined.

Shut Off the Valve

Water should be shut off from the home as well as the main water supply. If you cannot locate this, contact the local water department for assistance with the shut off. The shut off valve can be located in your basement, crawl space, or in a utility room, depending on when your home was built.

Second Pipe or Full Replacement?

When replacing a main water line for a house, you will have to choose between adding a second line and replacing the original pipe. Depending on the severity of a break, sometimes a new line can be added, connected to the existing line, and rerouted without removing or replacing the original pipe. This is because replacing the original pipe – the one that leads through the wall or floor of the home and connects the water to the rest of the structure – can be extensive and require the assistance of a professional contractor.

Need Help?

If you’re feeling out of your element, give TalkLocal a ring today. TalkLocal can connect you with professionals in your area skilled in main water lines in houses, so your job is done quickly and professionally the first time around.

Main Water Line Maintenance

Wednesday, March 5th, 2014

Main Water Line Maintenance - Handyman

Repairing a main water line can be quite expensive. However, when water mains break, it is critical to have it fixed immediately since it can cause flooding in homes and damage to streets. Any repairs to a main water line call for a professional plumber, since this job requires specialized training.

It’s in your best interest as a homeowner to pay attention to this important part of your plumbing system. Read on to learn how to make sure your water main is in good condition.

Old Plumbing

If your home has an old plumbing system or main water line, it will require more frequent servicing than newer systems. Even if the system is working fine now, it’s only prudent to have the main line professionally checked and serviced annually to try to find problems like leaks or any weakness before they get worse.

Consider replacing an old water main ahead of any potential problem. Consult with a reputable plumber for help in determining if replacement is the best option or a maintenance plan is more suitable.

Check Water Usage

Monitor your home’s water usage to see if there has been a sudden increase in the volume of water consumed. An unexplained spike usually indicates a leak in your system. It can be hard to detect a main water line leak since the pipes are located underground. In addition, the damage may be unnoticeable if the leak is just small.

Monitoring how your household uses water is a practical way to spot the possibility of a leak in your water mains. Catching this early can help prevent not only bigger leaks but also costly water damage to any areas of your house that could be affected.

Inspect Your Yard

If your main water line has a large leak, you can expect puddles of water to form on your yard because of water coming up through the ground. If you notice unusual puddles on your property, contact a local plumber right away to repair the leak.

Stop or Prevent a Leak

Whether you want to prevent a leak or stop one immediately, you need to get in touch with a qualified plumber as soon as possible. Seva Call understands the urgency of your situation. Give us a call and we’ll connect you quickly with local, pre-screened plumbers who can respond to you right now.