Unfortunately, sometimes a simple plunger at home won’t solve all of your plumbing needs. Most homeowners in Godfrey Illinois, experience house water main problems. (Or house water service line problems.) at one point or another, and in most cases, a professional is needed in order to fix the situation. Here are some of the things that you will need to know if you find yourself in need of a water line repair or even a replacement.
What is a House Service Water Main?
Your water main is the primary (or “main”) pip bringing water to your home. Labeled “private water service line” in the diagram above, it’s usually located underground and connects your home to your community’s water source. Your water line shouldn’t be confused with your private sewer lateral, which takes used water and sewage away from the home.
Common Water Main Problems:
Holes or cracks may develop in a water main over time, usually because of external corrosion from the soil or frost.
Water pipes are under pressure, so a break in the water main will cause water to flow out of the pipe and eventually to the surface level, whether that be the street, your front lawn, or the basement of your home. This could also lead to contaminated water in the home. It is crucial to stop using appliances or drinking water when this occurs.
There is usually a house shutoff valve that will turn off the flow of water through the main in an emergency. If your public utility does not shut off the water flow first, you can locate the homeowner shut-off valve (next to your water meter) and turn the water flow off yourself. This is done with a water meter key.
A leaky water valve is a common problem. Some types of these valves (such as gate valves) are more prone to leaking. It may be possible to tighten the packing nut on the water valve to stop the leak. Other DIY methods include adding additional washers or replacing old washers. However, in most cases, it is best practice to call a professional plumber to fix the leak. Professional help will be required if the valve needs to be replaced.
How to Detect Leaks in Your Plumbing:
An unnoticed leak in your water main cause extensive and also expensive structural damage to your home. This can include damage to flooring and walls, mildew and mold issues, and water waste that is harmful to the environment and increases water bills.
How can you tell if you have a leak in your water main or even other parts of your plumbing? Well, here’s some help. Wet spots or mildew on your floors or also on your walls is often a typical hint.
A friendly reminder is that leaks are often located in hard-to-reach places such as under a slab or even buried in the lawn. More times than not, leaks can be hidden from view which then causes more significant damage. One way to know for sure that there are no leaks anywhere to be found is by making sure all (yes ALL) water fixtures are not only off but make sure to check that your water meter is not on. Another thing to do is call a leak detection company to be on the safe side.
Water Main Repair and Replacement Tips:
If we find a leak in your water main, it is important to fix the problem as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damage to the home and property.
Choose a Full Replacement When Red Flags are Present:
Water main red flags include:
- The home is over 50 years old.
- Plumbing problems have persisted for many months/years.
These are all signs that a repair may not actually solve your water main problem.
Choose Trenchless Replacement:
Trenchless technology allows you to replace a damaged water main without digging a large hole across the entire property. This strategy is now extremely popular with homeowners. If you want to learn more about trenchless pipe replacement, call us today!
Know Before You Start Digging:
Before you attempt to repair or replace a water line yourself, it’s crucial to get a professional to take a look at the problem first. Speaking with a professional rather than trying on your own can save you a lot of stress and even money as well. If trying this on your own goes wrong, you could cause more damage than you started off with. Paying for someone to help you rather than trying on your own is stress-free and cheaper in the long run.
If you live in the Godfrey, IL area and have any more questions, give Bland’s a call today at (618) 259-5053. We are more than happy to assist!
