Category Archives: water line repair

Jun '23

Emergency Plumbing Tips: What to Do When You Discover a Broken Water Line

Broken water lines can cause significant damage to your home and require immediate attention. Knowing what to do when you discover a broken water line can make all the difference in preventing additional damage to your property. In this article, we will cover emergency plumbing tips to guide you on the appropriate steps to take when dealing with a broken water line.

Shut off the main water valve

The first thing you should do when dealing with a damaged water line is to shut off the main water valve in your home. The main water valve controls the flow of water into your home. Shutting off the main water valve stops the water flow and prevents more water from entering your home.

Open all faucets to drain water

After you have shut off the main water valve, open all faucets to drain any water remaining in the pipes. This helps to minimize the amount of water damage as well as remove any excessive pressure from the pipes when the repair is ongoing. Additionally, you should flush all toilets and turn on outdoor faucets to drain any water in the system.

Locate the broken water line

If you are dealing with a broken water line, you need to locate the break. It is essential to pinpoint the exact location of the leak to prevent additional damage and speed up the repair process. Look for visible signs of damage, such as water puddles, water stains, and wet spots. Alternatively, you can also follow the water supply line to find the source of the leak.

Assess the damage

Assess the extent of damage caused by the damaged water line. Inspect the affected area for additional signs of damage, such as soaking or wet insulation. Wet insulation should be removed and replaced to prevent mold growth. Additionally, if the leak has affected electrical wiring, turn off the power to the affected area.

Professional plumbers have the right tools, expertise, and experience to diagnose the problem and provide the best solution.

Call a professional plumber

Contact a licensed and reputable professional plumber if you cannot fix the broken water line yourself. Professional plumbers have the right tools, expertise, and experience to diagnose the problem and provide the best solution. They can also help assess any other damage caused by the leak and offer recommendations on how to fix it.

Turn off the water heater

It is essential to turn off the water heater if there is a broken water line. Water heaters are designed to hold water, meaning that their tank may rupture due to excessive pressure. Turning off the water heater prevents it from blowing out and causing further damage.

Clean up standing water

Standing water can cause significant damage to your home and increase the risk of mold infestation. After shutting off the main water valve, open all faucets and drain any water from the pipes. Use towels and other absorbent materials to clean up any standing water. Also, use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to extract water from carpets and floors.

Prevent future water line breaks

It is vital to take measures to prevent future water line breaks. Consider installing a water pressure regulator to prevent unnecessary pressure on the pipes. Regularly inspect your pipes for any signs of wear and tear or damage. Avoid flushing non-degradable materials, such as wipes and feminine hygiene products, down the toilet. These materials can clog your pipes and cause a backup.

In Conclusion

Dealing with a broken water line can be stressful and overwhelming. However, by following the emergency plumbing tips outlined in this article, you can minimize the damage and prevent future water line breaks. Remember to shut off the main water valve, locate and assess the damage, call a professional plumber, and clean up any standing water. Also, take measures to prevent future water line breaks, such as installing a water pressure regulator and avoiding flushing non-degradable materials down the toilet. If you require further assistance, contact a professional plumber in your area.

May '23

Signs There May Be Trouble With Your Main Water Line

Cold Water, High Bills and Unfamiliar Odors

For every homeowner, it can be concerning to think about potential issues with the main water line. Unfortunately, as with all household infrastructure, your water line isn’t immune to developing problems over time due to normal wear and tear. Knowing the signs that there may be trouble with your main water line can help you catch minor and major issues before it escalates into needing a full replacement of your main water line.

Cold Water and Low Pressure

If you experience consistently cold water or less water pressure than you’re used to, this can be indicative of blockages or a break that has caused supply disruption. Such blockages may be caused by contamination or corrosion over time, which means that no water or only small drips may be coming through.

Generally, this will cause discolored water or a pungent smell. If you hear loud noises coming from your tap or pipes, this could mean that the main water line is under too much pressure, meaning that there is likely a break or overflow somewhere in your plumbing system.

If you’re noticing unexpected spikes in your water bills, this could mean that a leak has developed somewhere in your main water line.

Higher Than Usual Bills

If you’re noticing unexpected spikes in your water bills, this could mean that a leak has developed somewhere in your main water line. This could be any unseen hole, crack or joint break in the pipes, allowing water to flow unnoticed from the line.

Ideally, this should be investigated immediately and fixed as soon as possible to minimize further water wastage and resulting bills. If you are unable to locate the source of any potential leak, it’s wise to contact a local plumber to assist you in finding the source of the leak.

If you smell a familiar scent such as sewage or gas emanating from your tap, this is an unmistakable sign that you may have a problem with the main water line.

Familiar Smells

If you smell a familiar scent such as sewage or gas emanating from your tap, this is an unmistakable sign that you may have a problem with the main water line. This could be a sign of either a leak or a buildup of contaminated water within the line, meaning that if you experience this issue you should not use the water or flush the toilet until the issue is resolved.

It’s important to contact a plumber nearby as soon as possible to rectify the problem and to ensure that your water, and the rest of your plumbing system, is safe for usage and the environment.

Conclusion

It’s essential for homeowners to be aware of the potential signs of trouble with their main water line so that they can take proactive steps to avoid bigger problems later on. Cold water, high bills, and unfamiliar odors can all be causes for concern and should be investigated further to ensure that your plumbing is in check. Contacting professional plumbers can be the best way to safeguard your home from leaks and contamination.

Apr '23

Is Your Pilot Light Not Staying Lit on Your Water Heater?

Fixing Water Heater Pilot Light

If your pilot light on your water heater is not staying lit, it can be an annoying and time-consuming problem to solve. Fortunately, there are a few common causes and easy fixes to get your water heater working again.

The first step in fixing your water heater’s pilot light is to locate the pilot light assembly. This will be found at the bottom of your water heater and will contain the pilot light and the gas control knob.

Once you’ve located the pilot light assembly, check the gas control knob to make sure it’s in the “On” position. If it’s not, turn it to the “On” position and attempt to light the pilot light. If it does not stay lit, it could be due to a few different things.

The first potential cause is a faulty thermocouple. The thermocouple is a safety device designed to shut off the gas if the pilot light goes out. If the thermocouple is faulty, it will not be able to sense when the pilot light is lit and will not be able to keep the gas on. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the thermocouple.

The second potential cause is a clogged pilot light orifice. This orifice is the tiny hole where the pilot light flame is supposed to come out. If the orifice is clogged, the pilot light will not be able to stay lit. To fix this, you’ll need to clean the orifice with a wire brush.

The third potential cause is a draft. If the pilot light is located near a drafty window or door, the draft can blow out the pilot light flame. To fix this, you’ll need to move the water heater to a different location.

Troubleshooting Water Heater Pilot Light

If you’ve tried the steps above and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. The first step is to check the gas line for any leaks. To do this, you’ll need a gas leak detector. If you detect a leak, you’ll need to have it repaired before attempting to light the pilot light again.

The next step is to check the vent pipe for any blockages or obstructions. The vent pipe helps to ensure that the gas from the pilot light is vented outside your home. If the vent pipe is blocked or obstructed, it will not be able to do its job properly and the pilot light will not stay lit. To check the vent pipe, you’ll need to remove the vent cap and check inside for any blockages or obstructions.

Finally, if all else fails, you may need to call a professional. A local plumber or HVAC technician will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with a solution.

Water Heater Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

If your water heater’s pilot light keeps going out, it can be a frustrating problem to deal with. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to determine the cause and fix it.

The first step is to make sure the gas control knob is in the “On” position. If it’s not, turn it to the “On” position and attempt to light the pilot light. If the pilot light still won’t stay lit, it could be due to a faulty thermocouple, a clogged pilot light orifice, or a draft.

If you’ve tried the steps above and your pilot light still won’t stay lit, you’ll need to do some troubleshooting. The first step is to check the gas line for any leaks and the vent pipe for any blockages or obstructions. If all else fails, you may need to call a plumber for a water heater repair.

Fixing a water heater’s pilot light can be an annoying problem to solve, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be done easily and quickly. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can have your water heater’s pilot light working again in no time.

Mar '23

4 Signs You Have a Main Water Line Leak in Your Yard

Water Line Leak Symptoms

Leaking water lines can cause a host of problems in and around your home. Fortunately, there are several signs that can alert you to a water line leak in your yard. Knowing the symptoms of a water line leak can help you take proactive steps to prevent further damage.

The most common symptom of a main water line leak is standing water in your yard. If you notice an area of your yard that is continually wet and damp, even after the rain stops, there may be a leak in the water service line. Another sign to watch for is an abnormally high water bill. If your water bill is much higher than normal, it could be an indication that you have a water line leak.

Other water leak symptoms include erosion and wet spots in your yard. If you notice an area of your yard that is particularly soggy or has a lot of vegetation dying, it could be a sign that your water line is leaking. You should also look for signs of mold or mildew near the leak. This can be an indication that your water line is leaking and needs to be repaired.

Main Water Line Leak

A water line leak can cause a range of problems in and around your home. The most common problem is water damage. Water can seep into your walls and floors, leading to mold and mildew growth. It can also cause structural damage to your home if the leak is not repaired quickly.

Leaking water lines can also affect your yard. If the water is not contained, it can lead to flooding, erosion, and other damage to the soil and vegetation in your yard. This can be particularly problematic if you have a garden or other landscaping features in your yard.

In addition to damage to your property, a water line leak can also be a health hazard. If the water is not contained and cleaned up, it can lead to the growth of bacteria and other contaminants in the air. This can lead to breathing difficulties and other health concerns.

Water Line Repair

If you suspect a main water line leak in your yard, it’s important to take action quickly. The first step is to shut off the water supply from the water line. This will help to prevent further damage and contamination.

Once the water supply is shut off, it’s time to call a plumber. A professional plumber will be able to assess the situation and determine the best course of action. Depending on the extent of the damage, they may be able to repair the leak or replace the entire water line.

If the leak is minor, the plumber may be able to repair it with a patch kit. However, if the water line is in bad shape, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. This can be a costly and time-consuming endeavor, but it’s necessary to prevent further damage and contamination.

Once the water line is repaired or replaced, it’s important to take other steps to avoid water line leaks in the future. This includes regularly checking and inspecting the water line for signs of damage or wear and tear. You should also make sure that your sprinkler system is in good working order and that it is regularly checked for leaks and other problems.

By taking a proactive approach to water line maintenance and repair, you can help to ensure that your main water line stays in good condition and that you avoid costly water line leaks in the future.

Oct '22

The Main Reasons for Water Line Damage

The water line is that part of your home’s plumbing that connects the home to the municipal water supply. Although the water line is responsible for providing a constant supply of clean water to your home, it is one of the least-acknowledged parts of your home’s plumbing.

This is because most of the water line is underground, and homeowners only know its presence when it is damaged, explains Limestone Country Properties. The water line, buried in the ground, is mostly out of homeowners’ sight and, therefore, never comes to mind.

But water lines get damaged, and the impact can be devastating when they do. Many things cause water line damage. This post highlights the most common causes of water line damage and the telltale signs that your home’s water line is damaged.

Causes of water line damage

Faulty installation

If they are to last long and work efficiently, water lines must be installed in keeping with city guidelines. If this is not done, the water line will be prone to damage and likely to fail before its projected lifespan. The most common water line installation issues are using substandard materials and hurriedly installing the line. Water lines that are not properly installed are likely to leak.

Soil shifting

If the soil where an underground water line is laid moves, it will displace the line and expose it to the risk of damage. There are several reasons why soil will move. These movements may result from a leak in the water line that needs repair, which leaves the surrounding soil waterlogged. It could also be due to the type of soil and the weather.

Changes in water pressure

Underground water pipes are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure. If water pressure within the pipes exceeds this upper limit, it will cause cracks and leaks. Significant damage can happen to a water line even if it has been exposed to high water pressure for a very short period. Water pressure issues may also be caused by poor maintenance.

Intruding tree roots

Usually, trees get their water from the surrounding air and soil. But if there is a nearby water line with even the tiniest hairline fracture, tree roots will sniff out the water inside the line and penetrate the pipe to reach that water. Trees’ roots may also interfere with water lines when they displace them from their original position in the ground.

Corrosion

This problem is most common with metal, copper, and steel pipes. PVC and CPVC pipes are also affected by corrosion, but to a lesser extent. In addition to the material of the pipe, other factors that influence the rate of corrosion of a water line are soil acidity and the chemical content of the water running through the pipes.

Extreme temperature changes

Sudden and extreme temperature changes can damage a water line. Water line damage happens in very cold weather when temperatures fall below freezing. If a water line is not below the frost line, it can freeze, causing pressure to build inside the pipe until it bursts. Or if the line does not crack, it can weaken over time.

Clogs

Materials inside the water or debris that finds its way into the water line can block it. A clog in your home’s water line will manifest as slow water flow. The buildup of pressure inside that section of piping before the clog can also lead to the water line bursting. Low water pressure in your home may indicate that your water line may be leaking.

Damage by rodents

Burrowing animals can damage your water line. Rodents will gnaw on pipes to sharpen their teeth, damaging the water line in the process. They may also chew on the pipe to access the water inside it. Animals can dislodge the pipes when they move through the ground or build their nests close to the water line.

Aging

Homeowners rarely keep tabs on the age of their water line. Every artificial material in the home has its expiration date. That date may be delayed or accelerated by several factors, such as weather conditions in the location, maintenance quality, and material type. But whether you look after your water line or not, the day comes when you need to replace it.

Signs of water line damage

The following signs will tell you if your water line is damaged:

Discolored water from the faucets because of corrosion inside the pipe or soil getting into the water line.
A significant drop in water pressure that is not from the municipal water supply.
Patches of wet or soggy soil in the yard indicate the presence of a leak.
Inexplicable spikes in your water bill due to an undetected leak.

If you suspect your water line is damaged due to the main reasons outlined, seek out a professional plumber to fix it.

Jun '22

Common Water Line Problems That Require Repair or Replacement

Have you ever imagined what life would be like if you did not have potable water running in your home? Would modern life exist if you had to dig a well and every time you needed water, go to the well and manually fetch water from it?

The water that flows in your home is a lifesaver and the pipes that make it possible for that water to reach your home are a lifeline. Without those pipes, you would not have the convenience of a modern home with water on demand, explains Keyrenter Hampton Roads.

But this fact is not always obvious because your home’s water line is out of sight. Homeowners tend to forget that this vital part of the home’s plumbing also requires attention. Your water line is subject to many of the same issues that the rest of your plumbing is.

The water line can get damaged. It can get old or the very water that runs through the water line can corrode the pipes and make them less efficient. If your water line collapses, your ability to do simple household tasks will come to an abrupt end.

But this doesn’t happen often because water lines are designed to be sturdy and can go for many years without any signs of trouble. But this is also why water line issues are costly to fix. The problem can build up for years, only to be discovered after it has done maximum damage.

This is why it is important to always make sure your water line is in good condition. You need a competent local plumber to inspect the system periodically and make sure everything is as it should be. You should also know the potential problems that can happen with your water line. in some cases it makes more sense to replace your entire water line than to have it spot repaired.

What are the common water line problems that require repair or replacement?

Old pipes or regular wear and tear

If your home is old and the pipes have not been replaced since the house was built, you can expect more water line problems. Firstly, your water line may have metal pipes that are more prone to corrosion. Secondly, a lot of the other factors listed below may be affecting the pipes.

Tree roots intrusion

Tree roots can damage your water line either by dislodging it or by penetrating the pipes. The latter problem is more common when the pipe already has a leak or weak point. But pipes that are dislodged by tree roots may eventually start to leak also.

Poor installation and human error

If pipes are not installed by a professional or according to the proper procedures, you will have issues with the water line. Water lines may also be damaged if heavy equipment is driven over the ground where pipes are buried. This can also happen if someone digs in the yard and accidentally damages the pipe.

High water pressure

Excessively high water pressure is more damaging to your plumbing than low water pressure, although the latter problem is more likely to get your attention. High water pressure causes vibrations inside pipes that can damage the water line or home appliances and cause leaks.

Soil movements

Upward or downward movement of the soil surrounding your water line can dislodge the pipes and cause you all kinds of problems. These movements are often unforeseen at the time the pipes were laid. Also, there may be no practical way to predict or prevent these ground movements or seismic activity.

Sediment buildup and mineral deposit

If the water in your city is hard, the water line will be more susceptible to this particular issue. The mineral content of water, along with other impurities, will be deposited inside your pipes as water travels through them. Over time this can narrow the diameter of the pipes and make them more likely to burst and leak.

Accumulation of dirt inside the water line

This does not typically happen unless the water line is broken. If the line is cracked anywhere along its length, dirt from the surrounding soil can find its way into the pipes. You can usually tell when you have this problem because the water coming into your home will be discolored.

Frozen water

This is a common issue in areas with harsh winters. If the water line has ever frozen or come close to freezing, the structural integrity of the pipes may be compromised. Freezing water will stress the pipe as the water inside the pipe expands, making the water line more likely to burst or leak.

Water leaks

The water line can leak as a result of the problems listed above or for unknown reasons. Water line leaks are not as easy to detect as leaks inside your home. If you notice spikes in your water bill without any changes in your water usage, you may have a leak in your plumbing systems, possibly in the water line.

Rodent damage

Burrowing animals, especially rodents, can damage your water line. They will damage the water line not just by digging around the pipes and dislodging them, but also by chewing on the pipes.