How Long Does It Take to Fix a Main Water Line Break?

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 main water line. Breaks to the main water line are more common than most people think, with an estimated 240,000 happening every year in the United States. Keep reading to learn how to fix a main water line break, what causes one, what the repair involves, and how long it takes to get your plumbing back in order.

What Is a Main Water Line Break?

A water main, also called the main water line, is the underground pipe that carries water from your nearest water source to your home’s service pipe. These pipes usually run beneath the sidewalks and streets.

A break happens when a crack or hole in the piping lets water escape to the surface. Because the water main runs under high pressure, the water flows nonstop, so once a break occurs, it keeps running until the problem is fixed. That can cause a long list of issues, including unsanitary water, a high water bill, low water pressure, and wet spots on floors, walls, and ceilings. Left alone, it can lead to extensive property damage.

Warning Signs of a Main Water Line Break

Catching a break early limits both the damage and the cost. Therefore, watch for these warning signs:

• A sudden drop in water pressure throughout the house
• Discolored, rusty, or cloudy water from the taps
• An unexplained spike in your water bill
• Wet or sunken spots, puddles, or unusually green patches in the yard
• Damp stains on floors, walls, or ceilings
• The sound of running water when every fixture is off

If several of these show up at once, call a plumber promptly, because a main line leak only gets worse the longer it runs.

What Causes a Break in the Main Water Line?

Extreme cold is often the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason. When temperatures drop, the ground freezes, thaws, and shifts, which stresses the buried pipe until it cracks. The American Red Cross has a helpful guide on protecting your home’s plumbing from a freeze. Still, cold is not the only cause. Other common culprits include:

• Older pipes: years of wear and corrosion weaken the line over time.
• Soil erosion: shifting ground and erosion put steady pressure on the piping.
• Tree roots: roots work into tiny cracks and slowly pry them open.
• Accidents: digging or heavy equipment can strike and damage a buried line.

Fixing a Main Water Line Break: What to Expect

A main water line break calls for professional repair right away, because it runs underground and under pressure. In most cases, our plumbers isolate the broken pipe by shutting off the valves and taking the water supply out of service temporarily. The water stays off while they work. The crew then completes the necessary water line repairs and replacements, often as underground work beneath the yard or street. Once the pipe is sound, they flush it before reconnecting it to the system to make sure it is ready to go.

So how long does it take? On average, a main water line repair takes between four and eight hours. The exact time depends on how deep the pipe is buried, the size of the break, and the soil and weather conditions.

What to Do If You Suspect a Break

If you think your main water line has failed, act quickly:

1. Shut off your main water valve to stop the flow and limit the damage.
2. Avoid using the water until the line has been inspected.
3. Call a licensed plumber for an emergency diagnosis.

Fast action protects your home and usually lowers the final repair bill. When you need a licensed local plumber who can locate the break and fix it right, our team is ready to help.

Are You Dealing with a Broken Main Water Line?

At Armor Plumbing, we understand how essential a working main water line is to your home. For a reliable, lasting repair, count on our licensed, insured plumbers and more than 30 years of experience. Contact the team at Armor Plumbing for a quote to fix a main water line break.