Supply lines play a vital role in delivering water to your fixtures and appliances. However, they don't last forever. Over time, these lines can wear out, leading to leaks or even significant water damage.
And should the line collapse or become damaged beyond repair, running water is off-limits until a replacement can be completed -- usually a process taking several days. If you're lucky, your home's water line will last 70 years or more.
Pipe Material: - Copper Pipes: Lasts 70-100 years but may corrode over time. - PVC Pipes: Can last 50-70 years. - Galvanized Steel Pipes: Typically last 20-50 years; prone to rust and corrosion. - Polybutylene Pipes: Often need replacement after 10-15 years due to brittleness.
Typically, your homeowners insurance covers cleaning and required repairs due to water damage that is a result of a frozen pipe that has burst. If you turned off your heat when leaving your house for a few days, causing the pipes to freeze when outdoor temperatures dropped, your claim may not be covered.
Average Cost to Repair a Main Water Line
According to HomeAdvisor, U.S. homeowners spent an average of $982 for main water line repairs in 2022. However, the actual range can vary widely. Repairs start around $350 on the low end and climb up to $5,000 or more to replace a water line.
Q: How long does a main water line usually last before it needs replacing? Copper lines can last over 50 years, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes may have a shorter lifespan. Environmental factors and maintenance quality play significant roles.
Following are some average lifespans from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development for the different types of metals used for main water lines: Brass – 40-70 years. Copper – 50 years. Galvanized steel – 20-50 years.
PVC Supply Lines: These plastic lines are affordable and easy to install but typically last around 5-8 years. They are more prone to cracking and should be inspected regularly. Copper Supply Lines: Known for their longevity, copper lines can last up to 50 years.
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.
A plumber can assess your project. Main water line replacement costs an average of $1,713 or $50 to $150 per linear foot. This section of piping is crucial to your home's plumbing system.
These clogs usual occur because of a build-up of minerals along the interior of the pipes due to impurities in the municipal water supply. When you start to notice a drop in water pressure in your home, or if water ceases coming out of some taps entirely, you may have water supply line clogs.
To verify the water is off, turn on the water anywhere in your home or around your property. Alternatively, if the water is off, the indicator on the face of the meter will stop turning or counting. To turn the water back on, slowly turn the valve one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
The general rule of thumb is to replace all your supply line hoses every 5 years as a preventative measure to protect your home against any potential leaks. But since braided supply lines have a rubber core, we recommend that they can be replaced every 10 years.
Pipe Material
Regardless of the material, each of these plumbing products have a life span that you should know so you can gauge whether you need an upgrade. Brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel have a life span of 80 to 100 years, copper lasts 70 to 80 years, and PVC piping only survives for 24 to 50 years.
Besides the distinct sounds you hear when a damaged pipe is leaking, these are other common signs of a busted pipe, including: Unusually wet areas inside and outside the facility like puddles (big or small) Rusty, dirty, or bad smelling water. Presence of mold or mildew.
Typically, main water line pipes last decades. Some experts estimate that they last around 70 years, though this can vary from development to development. If your home is considerably dated–if it was built in or before the 1950s or even the 1980s–you should have its water line inspected.
One pipe is an air conditioning condensate drain, also commonly referred to as an AC drain line. These pipes are usually white in color and are made from PVC piping. Another pipe you may find on the outside of your home is a water pressure relief valve, also known as a PRV drain line.
Like other systems in the home, water lines are not meant to last forever and will need to be replaced. To ensure that your plumbing lasts as long as possible, you can schedule regular plumbing inspections and ensure that you get timely repairs as soon as you notice any issues.
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.
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.
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.