As your home ages, you’ll likely come to the realization that many of the things it was built with don’t last as long as they used to. One thing you can be sure of is that your water lines will need to be replaced at some point. Not all water lines in your home are created equally. While they’re certainly all important, your main line is a different breed than the rest.

Main water lines are typically the most expensive parts of plumbing to replace. If you catch them early and take care of them before there is a break, it can save both time and money in the future!

Signs That Your Water Line Needs Replacing

All water lines require occasional repair and maintenance. An inspection of the exterior of your home can reveal many indicators that you should consider replacing your main water line.

Higher Water Bill

Your water bill has suddenly been raised and there’s no reason you can find for it? You may be looking at a pipe problem. Pipe leaks, cracks or breaks are fairly common in the structures of homes; they’re not easily seen until after time when their damage becomes noticeable to those who live inside them. This is why your best bet will always be an inspection from a plumber so that this issue doesn’t become more problematic than what it already is!

Low Water Pressure Problems

The water your shower, bathtub and faucets fluctuate from cold to hot, and the pressure might be too low. It’s possible that you have a problem with the main line coming into or out of your house.

Water Stains

It’s a red flag when you see water stains on your ceiling or walls. If left unchecked, it could lead to mold and other potential health hazards in the home.

Pest Problems

IF the main water line is compromised because of cracks or holes in the pipe, it’s much easier for roaches, ants and rats to get in and eventually become a problem in your home.

Strange Sounds

If you hear sounds of running water or hissing, whistling or even bubbling sounds at all hours of the day and night, it might be because water is constantly leaking through a cracked or broken main line.

Mold and Mildew

The presence of mold and mildew is a sign that your water line has sprung more leaks than you thought. Condensation can be seen on the walls, which means there’s too much moisture in one area – and when it gets to certain levels, this will attract any type of fungus that lives off organic matter including tannins from wood or cellulose found in paper!

This release must get fixed immediately because not only do these molds create an unhealthy environment for humans but also they can potentially cause allergic reactions as well as respiratory problems with prolonged exposure.

Brown, Smelly Water

Discoloration, odd smells or debris in the tap water- these are clear indicators of a problem with your main line.

Puddles In Your Yard

There can be many reasons why puddles form in your yard. But if you see them every day, then the problem is likely found on your main water line that needs to be inspected by a professional plumber as soon as possible!

How Do I Know If My Main Water Line Is Leaking?

If you notice any of the telltale signs that we mentioned above then you may certainly be having a problem with a leak in your main water line.

Leaky pipes are never fun when they happen in your home. After all the hard work you put into making it look nice, the damage that a broken main water line can cause can ruin everything! That is why it’s important to call a plumber as soon as possible.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Waterline?

Costs can vary depending on the methods needed to replace and/or repair a main waterline. Labor costs can also vary depending on the location(s) of the leak(s) that require repair or pipe replacements.

But, on average, replacing a main waterline can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 or perhaps more.

The length of the pipeline that requires repair or replacement determines some costs as well as if the repair can be done with a trenchless method or not. And of course, labor and time also vary as well.

One thing is for certain – avoiding repair of a main water line will only end up costing you more the longer you wait.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Main Water Line Repairs?

One question that homeowners often have is whether or not their insurance policy covers main water line repairs. If you are wondering this, the answer is that in most cases it will not.

It depends on the circumstances.

If you accidentally break or crack your main water line to your house, insurance may pay for that repair.

But if the pipes have cracked or gone into disrepair because they are old or tree roots have invaded them, etc. then insurance companies normally do not pay for repairs due to these issues.

But if your main water line breaks, the city/town you live in may be responsible for repairing their part of the problem. Your insurance company will be able to give you information about this for your specific municipality.

Conclusion

Replacing your main water line is expensive and inconvenient. At the same time, it’s one of the most important decisions you will need to make for your plumbing system. While pipe corrosion and other issues that can affect your pipes are a significant problem, you may be able to prevent it with proper maintenance.

Speak to your plumber about preventive measures that you can take to ensure that your main water lines are in good condition.

If you have any questions about your main water line or are having some problems with it, call Atlantis Plumbing today at 770-505-8570. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.