Video Transcript:
Hi, I’m Thomas. Here at Mattioni Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, we help homeowners like you make sense of confusing water issues like a failing main water line so you can make confident, informed decisions.
This video will cover many of the questions we typically receive on the first visit with our customers. To help you understand your options before you pick up the phone.
What are some signs of a main water line issue?
Signs that may indicate a main water line leak or water leaking through your foundation wall, soil residue or discoloration on your basement wall, divots, sinkholes, or unusual wet patches in your yard, especially during dry weather, dark green grass in isolated spots of your yard, hissing sounds near your main water line, and low water pressure throughout your home.
What causes water line failures?
Some causes of water line failure include ground shifting and settling, freezing and thawing cycles stressing the pipes, high water pressure, and corrosion and natural aging, especially for lines over 50 years old.
Can my line be repaired or do I need a full replacement?
This answer depends on a few different factors. If your line is relatively new and the material is in good condition, spot repair may be possible. But if your line is older, a full replacement is usually the best option to prevent future pipe failures. We would also recommend a full line replacement if your line is galvanized pipe or LED as galvanized pipe tends to cross shut and lead pipe can contaminate your water.
What are my replacement options?
If you’re getting a full replacement, there are three main replacement methods that we offer here at Mattioni. First, and the most common is trenching. That is, just digging a trench and replacing the line directly. Next is pipe pulling or splitting, where we would pull the new pipe through the old pipe. And finally there’s directional boring, where we would make an underground hole and feed the new line through a sleeve. Some options may not be feasible for every situation, so please talk with your technician to see which option would be best for you.
How much does a main water line repair or replacement cost?
If you just need a spot repair, you can expect between $3,000 and $4,000. If you need a full line replacement, that typically runs about $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the length and depth of the line.
If you’re seeing any of these signs or just want peace of mind, give us a call or schedule a visit online. We’ll inspect your system, explain what we see, and walk you through the best options for your home.