Water Line Replacement

Every homeowner faces a plumbing issue at some point. So, when a problem occurs, how do you determine whether it is your problem, should you fix it yourself or call a professional? With a water service line leak, you may also have to determine whose problem it is, the water utility, your strata, your HOA or do you share the problem with your neighbors? 

What is a Water Service Line?

A water service line is also known as a water supply line. This is the pipe that connects to the main water supply pipe and runs from the main line, to a curb stop, to your building. Main water line problems that occur on public property are the responsibility of the city, utility or county water department.

Where the main line branches off to service your property, it enters your property at a boundary box also called a curb stop, usually located near the street or lane at the property boundary. The water pipe enters your property, and it may be your responsibility to take care of any plumbing and water issues from that point on your property. We say may be as it may be your Strata or HOA’s responsibility. A water supply line is separate to – and shouldn’t be confused with – the sewer line.

Underground pipes require little maintenance, but occasionally a problem will arise.  Corrosion, cracks, build up, or holes may develop over time. Tree roots or soil content may weaken or damage your pipes. Even the pipes themselves wear out over time. Some older homes may still have lead or copper supply lines (pipes), and as they corrode, metals can leach into your home water supply.

How The Waterline Replacement Process Works

In the not-too-distant past, replacing your water line or pipes was an invasive process. Plumbers would arrive and tear up your yard, cut into your driveway or sidewalks, make holes in your house’s exterior wall, and possibly even need to pull up flooring or tear out drywall to access the pipe to get at a leak.

If pipe replacement for a water leak is located under your homes foundation slab it can be even more costly and time consuming. Not only do you pay a plumbing service to make the repairs, you may need to hire a home improvement company to repair the damage left behind.

While some plumbing issues are easy to deal with as a DIY project, like a leaky faucet or running toilet, water supply line repairs are more complicated and can cause severe, costly damage if you make a mistake. We strongly recommend contacting a professional for water pipe repair or replacement.

Our ePIPE patented solution is minimally invasive and may only take a few hours to complete the repair. We  turn off the water supply at the source and access the pipe to send our special coating  thru your water service line. We won’t tear up your yard, your driveway, house or your floors.

Our process involves installing an approved epoxy coating thru the pipes, where it can seal leaks, and provides a protective barrier coating to  your water supply line, saving you from current and future repairs. Call us now to learn more. With our proven, patented process, you can even avoid leaks before you need emergency service.

7 Signs You Need Water Pipe Repair

Water leak detection is not always easy. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:

• Drop in water pressure from faucets – Low water pressure from faucets may indicate you have a leak.
• Water pooling or wet spot in your yard or on your driveway – As water spills out of a broken water supply line underground, the ground may get soft and sink, leaving a depression where water pools. If your yard is soggy and it’s not the rainy season, it may indicate that you need to line up a water supply line repair service.
• Discolored water/contamination – Pipes with a hole or a crack leak water out, but dirt can also wash in. Other reasons for discoloration, smell, or bad taste include erosion of old lead or galvanized steel pipes, which can be a significant health risk to your family. Older homes are particularly susceptible to water pipe erosion. If you own an older home, you might want to get your pipes checked just for peace of mind.
• High water bill – Even a small leak can send your water bill soaring, left unattended can result in hundreds of dollars over your normal bill.
• Stained or sagging walls or ceiling – Leaking pipes can cause severe damage to drywall. Leaks within the walls will leave telltale brown water stains, and the drywall or ceiling may be soft, crumbling, or sagging.
• Water meter – To check, make sure faucets are off, and no other water is being used. Then take a peek at your water meter. Digital meters have electronic readouts that should not change if the water is not on, and older water meters have dials that spin if there is a leak. You can also take the cover off the water main source near the street and see if the dials are spinning.
• The smell of mold – You may smell water damage before you see any signs. Inside the walls, mold can grow on drywall or wood supports. Mold is a health hazard to your family, and can cause respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and serious breathing issues, especially for people with underlying health issues. Mold can also damage the structural wood – the bones of your home.

If you notice any of these issues, call ePIPE ASAP. They are consistently rated in the top 1% of all contractors in the state of California. They’re fast, clean, quiet, and their minimally invasive techniques and two-hour cure times will have your water back on the same day. Their proven, patented processes repair holes and cracks and significantly reduces lead leaching.