However, it's always best to call a professional for this major repair and it may even be required by your city. Many local permitting offices will actually prohibit these works from being carried out by a DIYer, especially if the break or leak lies on the street side of the line instead of on the home side.
Perhaps the water pressure in your house isn't great or your water supply isn't healthy. If you find yourself in either of these situations, know that it is possible to replace a water main – the main pipe that supplies your water – entirely by yourself. You can also save yourself a lot of money in the process.
Repairing your home's main water line costs $989 on average. You can generally expect to pay anywhere from $352 to $1,664 or $70 to $120 per hour. You'll also need to budget for materials like valves, bushings, and pipes.
Installation of waterlines is a great place for a homeowner to jump in and save themselves some money by doing the work. With the invention of materials like PEX and CPVC fittings, tools and materials can be easily sourced and installed.
Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover water line breaks unless a line has undergone sudden, significant damage. For example, if you dig in your yard and accidentally damage the water line running from your meter, repairs and cleanup may be covered.
I live in Southern California, the water company is responsible for the water pipe that comes from the street until it reaches the water meter (usually near the curb in front of your house). The part of the pipe that goes from the water meter to your house and all the pipes inside your house are your responsibility.
Hire a professional: If the location of the water service line break is on your property, you will likely be responsible for the repair. Depending on the complexity of the situation, you will likely want to hire a professional plumber for the specialized equipment and expertise to safely handle the repair.
Main water line replacement costs an average of $1,713 but ranges from $646 to $2,824, depending on the length and depth of the line, materials, and method. A plumber can assess your project. Main water line replacement costs an average of $1,713 or $50 to $150 per linear foot.
Trenchless water line replacement is a technique that allows plumbers to replace old or damaged water lines without having to dig trenches in your yard. With trenchless replacement, you can have your water line repaired in a matter of hours, which means less disruption to your daily routine.
The crew then performs the necessary repairs and replacements. Once the pipe is in working order, they will flush it before reconnecting it to the plumbing system to ensure it is ready to go. How much time will it take for the repair? On average, the main water line repair will take between four and eight hours.
If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.
You can replace your own pipes, if you have the skill, resources and patience. In fact, within your property boundary, you are responsible for your water supply, so it might make sense for you to do this work.
Your water line must be buried at least 12 inches below the frost line to meet local code requirements. However, a minimum depth of 6 inches below the frost line is often recommended for extra security against freezing.
Homeowners insurance generally covers damage due to broken pipes if their collapse is sudden and unforeseen. However, water damage that occurs gradually due to a leaky or rusty pipe is generally not covered.
Who is Responsible for the Water Line From the Street to Your House? Water service lines within the bounds of your property are considered your personal responsibility to maintain, while public water pipes outside of private property lines are the city's responsibility.
To fix a broken water pipe, homeowners can expect varying costs depending on the damage's severity and location. Minor DIY repairs might cost between $10-$50, while professional services range from $50 to $600, escalating in emergencies. For extensive damage, such as pipes under a foundation, costs can be $500-$4,000.
PEX tends to be the plumber's favorite material for water supply lines because of its flexibility, low cost, and longevity. PVC remains the top choice for water drainage.
The cost of PEX pipes can vary depending on the size, color, and brand. On average, PEX pipes can cost anywhere from $0.40 to $2.50 per linear foot. For example, a 100-foot roll of 1/2-inch PEX pipe can cost between $20 and $250, while a 100-foot roll of 3/4-inch PEX pipe can cost between $30 and $350.
Most underground water line repairs will involve a plumber removing and replacing the damaged section of pipe, which will need to be done using the same material the rest of the line is made from and is priced per linear foot.
The homeowner is responsible for maintaining any water pipes located on private property up to the boundary of the road where the company's water main is laid. If there is a shared pipe serving more than one property, it becomes the joint responsibility of all property owners that are connected to it.
The United States and Canada experience 260,000 water main breaks annually, representing $2.6 billion in annual repair costs. Utilities reported the average failure age of water pipe is 53 years. Notably, 33% of water mains are over 50 years old, representing 770,000 miles of piping.