Main Water and Sewer Line Repair

a sewer line in need of repair.

Although you can’t see them, your main water and sewer lines play a critical role in your family’s comfort and safety. Without them, you wouldn’t have clean water coming into your home or the convenient and efficient outflow and removal of waste.

Unfortunately, water and sewer lines break and need to be repaired or replaced. When that happens, the situation can seem overwhelming. We’ll explain why these water and sewer lines may leak or rupture, how you can tell if you have a broken or leaky line, and what you should do if you suspect a leak or a break.

Why These Lines May Leak or Break

While your main water and sewer lines are working behind the scenes, natural weather and earth processes can get in the way. These lines can break due to natural freeze and thaw cycles, intrusive tree roots, and shifting or settling ground.

The pipes leading in and flowing out of older homes with galvanized steel plumbing also suffer from corrosion, which eventually causes the lines to fail. An unresolved backup or clog in the lines can cause a leak or rupture too. When that happens, water or sewage often comes into flood and damage homes. Improper installation is another cause of broken water and sewer lines.

 

Signs of a Break in Your Lines

Whether it’s due to a burst pipe, leaking pipe, or general corrosion, you need to quickly address breaks and leaks. But how can you tell there’s a problem when these lines are underground? Well, here are some common things to look out for.

Foul-smelling odors

One of the early signs that your main sewer line needs to be repaired is a strange or foul order from your drains or lawn.

Strange bubbling or gurgling noise

An odd gurgling sound coming out of your drains, faucets, or toilets can also be a tell-tale sign that you’ve got a problem and need a line repaired.

Changes to your water pressure or water bills

If you have a broken or leaking main water line, you’ll likely see a change in water pressure or even higher than normal water bills.

Standing water on your lawn

When your main water line has a break or needs to be repaired, you might see pools of water on your lawn or in the street. If you see this, you should check your sprinkler system. But if all is well there, you quite possibly have a problem with your water line.

Water damage

Like stains around drains or on ceilings, water damage is a tell-tale sign of trouble. You may also have structural water damage to your home’s foundation, which is extremely concerning.

The Importance of Routine Line Maintenance

As you can see, there are many reasons why your main water or sewer lines can end up leaking or rupturing. But you can keep this from happening with regular maintenance. It’s always a good idea to have a professional plumber come out and do an inspection to ensure your main water and sewer lines are in good working order.

If needed, your technician can do a sewer clean-out and check valve installation to get ahead of any problems. With a quick call, line inspection, and easy maintenance, you can save time and avoid emergencies. You also save money by keeping your water and sewer system working well in the long run.

Main Water and Sewer Line Repair FAQs

Will homeowners or a property insurance policy cover the cost of a main water or sewer line repair or replacement?

Each insurance policy is different. But in general, insurance policies are more likely to cover sudden and unforeseen events when you’ve kept up on routine maintenance. If clogs or invasive tree roots cause the problem, it’s less likely your insurance will cover it.

Can I do a DIY fix by cleaning my lines out myself?

If your main water or sewer line is clogged or even collapsed, using a snake or chemicals can make things worse. It can force an even bigger backup or damage, which can rupture a large section of the line. That break can then cause extensive flooding and damage to your property.

So no. It’s always best to get professional help when dealing with something as important as your safety and property.

What is the difference between the traditional and trenchless pipe or line replacement?

Traditional line replacements require digging a trench along the length of the water or sewer pipe. Any driveways, sidewalks, or structures on top of your line must be dug out of the ground. From there, a new line is put in and connected to the full water or sewer system.

Trenchless line replacements require minimal digging and excavation, so they’re the perfect solution when your sewer line runs under driveways, sidewalks, or existing structures. The old pipe is taken out and replaced in the same tunnel or within the existing line, making the process much quicker.

How long does it take for a line replacement? That depends on whether you have a trenchless or traditional line replacement. Since the trenchless procedure is far less invasive, it’s also quicker. On average, a trenchless replacement takes a day or two. Traditional replacement requires bringing in heavy machinery and excavating the line, which can take several days.

How much does replacing a main water or sewer line cost?

As you can imagine, the costs depend on many factors. Some big ones include where the leak or break is, if you need a repair or replacement, and the materials required for the job. Whether you want to have traditional or trenchless work done also matters.

According to HomeAdvisor’s 2021 report, replacing a water line can cost anywhere from $2,000 to more than $10,000. They also say that digging and replacing a sewer line can cost anywhere from $3,000 to about $25,000.

These costs are just ballpark estimates and vary depending on the specific job. But you can see why we recommend inspection and maintenance of your existing lines. It’s like going to the dentist for check-ups and cleanings and not waiting for the emergency toothache and root canal.

When You Need Your Lines Repaired or Replaced

Call a professional plumber right away if you see anything concerning. Quick action can keep your family safe and save your property.

Professional plumbers are trained and certified in the latest safety techniques and can perform a sewer or water line repair in many different situations. Whether it’s under concrete, housing structures, landscaped yards, mud, or rock, they can do it.

If one of your main lines is broken beyond repair, then your technician can replace and install a new line, whether it’s the entire system or just a small part of it. When seeking sewer or water line repair service, look for a professional that offers trenchless technology, camera inspections, and conventional excavation installations for the best outcome.

If you’re interested in an inspection of your main water and sewer lines or think you might have a leak or break, we can help. Schedule an appointment by giving us a call at  (804) 463-6336 or clicking the button below.

Payment Options

We now are offering payment options for our customers. You have the option to choose either a same-as-cash or fixed-rate loan. Click the buttons below to get started on your projects!

*Loans provided by EnerBank USA, Member FDIC, (1245 Brickyard Rd., Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment term is 60 months. 6.99% fixed APR. Minimum loan amounts apply. The first monthly payment will be due 30 days after the loan closes.

*Loans provided by EnerBank USA, Member FDIC, (1245 Brickyard Rd., Suite 600, Salt Lake City, UT 84106) on approved credit, for a limited time. Repayment terms vary from 24 to 132 months. Interest waived if repaid in 365 days. 17.99% fixed APR, effective as of May 1, 2021, subject to change. Interest starts accruing when the loan closes.