Tag Archives: replacing a water line

Mar '24

What to Consider When Choosing Between Repairing and Replacing Water Lines in Chicago

Water line replacement and repairs are among the most complex and costly plumbing projects you can undertake in your Chicago home. When repairing or replacing your water line, Penny Realty Management warns that if the job is not done right, it can leave you with even bigger problems than you set out to solve.

Unfortunately for many homeowners in Chicago, water line problems are an issue they constantly have to deal with because of aging infrastructure. If your water line is leaking or your home’s water supply is contaminated, maybe it is time to overhaul the line.

But should you repair or replace the damaged water line? That depends on the water line issues you have in your home and how long the problems have been there. It also depends on the steps you have taken to solve past issues.

In this post, we explain the factors to consider before deciding whether to repair or replace a water line, along with the pros and cons of each option.

Water line repair versus replacement: 4 things to consider

The repair history of the water line

If the records show that your water line has had major problems in the past, there is a chance that it has also been repaired before. As a rule, you only want to repair a water line once. After the first repair, subsequent efforts will cost more money and be less effective. The potential for worse damage increases with each repair. Fixing a water line that has been repaired in the past is not cost-effective.

Age of the water line

If the water line is about or past 50 years old, it makes no sense to repair it. That’s because once a water line goes beyond this threshold, its functionality starts declining rapidly. Older water lines are more brittle, and minor problems with the pipes can easily escalate into major emergencies. Replace your water line if it is close to 50 years. Repair it if it is only 25 years old.

The water line materials

The type of pipes in your water line plays a huge role in your decision to repair or replace the line. If the line is made of lead pipes, replacing the water line is your best option, regardless of the age or condition. Some states and cities even make it illegal to fix lead pipes. In some locations, the only materials legally allowed for main water lines are brass, copper and ductile iron pipes.

The project cost

If the cost of repairing your water line is almost the same as the cost of replacing it, it makes sense to repair the line. As a rule, you want your repair costs to be at least 50%+ lower than your replacement cost. Otherwise, it is better to replace the line. This cost should include the material and labor costs for the entire project.

a water line replacement ready to take place in chicago.

Replacing your water line is a long-term solution. For the next decade, at least, you should not expect any issues with the line.

Pros and cons of repairing your water line

Pros

Cost-effective: It will always cost less to repair your damaged water line than it costs to replace it.
Less disruptive: The impact on your time, lifestyle and landscaping is minimal if you elect to repair the line.
Smaller environmental impact: The volume of waste generated by the repair process is minimal. The impact on the environment is also minor.

Cons

Temporary: Repairing the water line is not a long-term fix because the problems may return
Potential for future problems: Repairing a water line can predispose it to future problems.
Not always an option: If the water line is badly damaged, repairing it may not even be an option.

Pros and cons of replacing your water line

Pros

Long-term solution: Replacing your water line is a long-term solution. For the next decade, at least, you should not expect any issues with the line.
Improved performance: Replacing your water line is the best way to deal with all the performance issues plaguing the line.
Boost your property value: A new water line is something buyers want to see and are happy to pay more money for.

Cons

Costs more money: It costs significantly more money to replace a water line to repair it. Funding the project can be a major challenge.
Highly disruptive: Water line replacement involves a lot of excavation. That will often result in damage to your landscaping, driveway and paved walkways.

To conclude, replacing your water line when the issue can be solved by repairing the line is a waste of money. At the same time, repairing a water line when it should be replaced will force you to spend twice to solve the same problems.

To ensure you choose the right solution for your water line problems, it is vital to have a qualified and experienced professional plumber evaluate the damage to your water line and recommend the most cost-effective solution to the problem.

Nov '21

Do You Need to Replace Your Main Water Line?

The main water line is the primary pipe that supplies all the water you use for your various household needs. It carries water from the public supply into your home. This pipe is usually buried around three feet deep in the yard, so most times you don’t even know it’s there.

For most homeowners, says Innovative Property Solutions, the only time they think of the main water line is when they need to turn off the water supply to the whole house. Because this part of the home’s plumbing system is largely out of sight, it tends to get overlooked during maintenance.

But the main water line is the most important part of your home’s plumbing. Without it, you couldn’t use many of the appliances in your home nor could you maintain personal hygiene. This is why you want to stay up-to-speed with the condition of the main water line.

Common main water line problems

Age

Aging pipes are more susceptible to damage. Accumulated wear and tear may result in the collapse of the main water line. If your home was built before 1960, you may have lead or galvanized water lines. These pipes are dangerous and prone to corrosion.

Soil movements

Upward, downward, or sideways soil movements will exert pressure on pipes. Shifting soils will force the pipe out of place or out of shape and this can happen slowly over a period of time.

Changing water pressure

High water pressure is the main culprit here and it is a bigger problem with aging pipes. Sudden changes in pressure may cause the pipes to burst. Low pressure is also a problem because it leads to increased sedimentation inside the pipes.

Sediment buildup

This can result from mineral buildup. If the water in your area is hard, the mineral content will be deposited in the pipes as the water passes through. Over time, the pipe becomes narrower and more likely to burst under pressure or get clogged.

Tree root damage

Tree roots can penetrate the main water line and block it. A tree root can also wrap itself around the pipe and choke it, reducing, or cutting off the water supply. Tree roots will typically do this only when there is a leak in the pipe.

Human error

If the main water line was poorly installed, it will be prone to damage. This problem usually doesn’t show up immediately after the pipe is installed. Pipes can also get damaged by digging such as when installing a sprinkler system in the yard.

Past repairs

If the main water line has been repaired in the past, there is a chance that future problems will occur around those areas that were repaired. This can happen even if the repair was properly done.

There is a lot that can happen to damage the main water lines in your home. But you cannot tell what is causing the problem until you dig down to the pipes. Fixing main water issues can be tedious and costly; you don’t want to do it more than once.

This is why it is essential to know when problems call for the replacement of the main water line. How can you tell when there are problems with the main water line and when it is time to replace the pipes?

Signs of damage to the main water line

Low water pressure

A break in your main water line will cause a drop in overall water pressure.

A break in your main water line will cause a drop in overall water pressure. The severity of the problem depends on the extent of the damage. A small leak may not be noticeable. However, any decrease in water pressure should be investigated at once. Even if it is a major leak, you may not notice because the pipe is encased in soil which seals the leak. Sedimentation will also cause drops in water pressure.

Poor water quality

This could be discoloration due to the presence of debris that has seeped into the water from the surrounding soil. It could also be from mineral sediments in the pipes. If the water has a yellowish appearance, foul odor, or a gritty texture, you need to check your main water line. This problem will often happen alongside a drop in water pressure.

Water-logged front yard

If the front yard is inexplicably soggy – the water is not coming from your sprinkler and it has not rained – your main water line is most likely leaking. Sometimes the problem is so bad you will see water bubbling up to the surface of the lawn.

Spiking utility bills

When your water bill increases suddenly and there is no reason for it, it means there is a leak in your plumbing system. If you check the plumbing inside the home and the basement but can’t find the leak, the problem is probably located underground in your main water lines.

For any of these issues, you need to call a professional plumber asap. Only after the pipes have been uncovered can you determine the extent of the problem to know if you should replace your main water line or not.