Have you been dealing with discolored water and reduced water pressure along with an unreasonably high water bill? Chances are, you might have a damaged water main or line break. Breaks to the main water line are more common than one might think, with an estimated 240,000 happening every year in the United States. Keep reading to learn more about main water line breaks, what causes them, what’s involved in the repair, and how much time it will take to get your plumbing back in order.
What Is a Main Water Line Break?
A water main (aka main water line) is an underground pipe that transports water from your nearest water source to your home’s service pipe. These pipes typically run beneath the sidewalks and streets.
A water main break can happen when a break, crack, or hole in the piping allows water to come to the surface. Because of the water main’s high pressure levels, the water in the pipes is flowing nonstop. That means, when a break occurs, the water continuously runs until you fix the problem. This can cause many issues, including unsanitary water, a high water bill, low water pressure, and wet spots on floors, walls, and ceilings in your home. Even worse, the problem can lead to extensive property damage.
What Causes a Break in the Main Water Line?
Extreme cold may be the first thing that may come to mind when you think of a broken main water line. While this may be a common cause, it is not the only potential reason a main water line might break.
Other common causes include:
- Older pipes: years of wear and tear can lead to break-down and corrosion over time.
- Soil erosion: naturally occurring erosion can cause sudden shifts in the ground that damage piping.
- Accidents: Homeowners or home service providers may accidentally damage water lines with equipment.
Fixing a Main Water Line Break: What to Expect
A water main break requires professional repair services right away. In many cases, plumbing technicians will isolate the broken pipe by shutting off the valves and moving the water supply to out-of-service temporarily. The water will need to be off while they repair the break. The crew then performs the necessary repairs and replacements. Once the pipe is in working order, they will flush it before reconnecting it to the plumbing system to ensure it is ready to go.
How much time will it take for the repair? On average, the main water line repair will take between four and eight hours.
Are You Dealing with a Broken Main Water Line?
At Armor Plumbing, we understand how essential a functional main water line is to your home. For a reliable and effective plumbing repair, count on our licensed, insured plumbers. Contact the team at Armor Plumbing for a quote to fix a main water line break.