How much does it cost to replace the main water line in a house?

Author: Valerie Hill  |  Last update: Thursday, September 18, 2025

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.

Does homeowners insurance cover the main water line?

Does homeowners insurance cover water line breaks? 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.

How long does it take to replace the main water line?

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.

Can I replace my main water line by myself?

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.

Who is responsible for the water line from street to house?

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.

How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Main Water Line?

How do you fix a leaking main water line?

The first step is to locate the source of the problem and turn off the water supply. From there, the damaged section of the pipe will need to be cut out and replaced with a new section. It's important to use the appropriate materials, and if in doubt, it's best to consult a professional to ensure the job is done right.

How long does it take to replace a main line?

The process might take hours to a day for straightforward repairs like fixing minor cracks or small blockages. However, the replacement could take days to complete (one to three days) if extensive damage has occurred , such as a collapsed line, a significant root intrusion or another plumbing emergency.

Who is responsible for a water main break?

Whenever there is a break in and water main or service line, either you, as a property owner, or the city should fix it asap. It is the city's responsibility to fix such a break if it is a part of the main serving the public. However, there are instances where such breaks affect service lines.

Who pays for water line repair?

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.

Does homeowners insurance go up after a claim?

After you file a home insurance claim, it's possible that your premium will increase when your policy renews. If you file one claim, your insurance company may see you as likely to file another in the future. To offset the cost of that potential claim, your insurance company may charge you more for your policy.

Who owns the water line to my house?

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.

Who is responsible for replacing the main water shut-off valve?

Most of the time, homeowners are responsible for replacing a main water shut-off valve. This is because the property owner also owns the water service line from the shut-off valve near their property line to their house. That means they must maintain, repair, or replace it when needed.

How do you know if your main water line is broken?

Your Water Is Discolored

This is a very obvious sign that something is wrong with your water main line. Obviously, your water should come out clear, with no sediment. If the water coming out of your fixtures is discolored, this means there's probably a leak.

How much does it cost to replace a house main water valve?

The average cost of replacing a water shut-off valve can range from $150 to $400, depending on various factors such as materials, labor, and the complexity of the job.

Do most homeowners insurance cover broken water pipes?

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.

How do you tell if a water pipe is broken underground?

Signs of a Broken Underground Water Pipe
  1. Signs of Underground Water Leaks. If your lawn is irrigated and you notice areas that aren't getting enough water, check the sprinkler heads to make sure they aren't damaged. ...
  2. Standing Water in Your Yard. ...
  3. Moldy or Mossy Areas. ...
  4. Drop in Water Pressure. ...
  5. Other Signs of Water Problems.

What to do when the main water line breaks?

When a broken water line occurs, you should always call a trusted plumber who can quickly and efficiently address the problem. Lack of water in your home is a major issue, so you'll need to communicate to your plumber that you have an emergency situation.

What is the average cost to replace a main water line?

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.

How often should a water main be replaced?

If you're lucky, your home's water line will last 70 years or more. But that depends on a lot of factors, and even if those factors are largely in your favor, damage can still occur.

What is the cheapest way to replace a sewer line?

Trenchless sewer repairs, such as pipe lining or pipe bursting, are typically 30-40% less expensive than traditional excavation and less invasive. Traditional excavation, which involves digging a trench to access the damaged pipe, is usually more expensive and can cause significant damage to your yard.

Is a water main leak an emergency?

A major leak is a plumbing emergency. After all, you don't want to deal with the flooding and water damage that can result from stubborn leaks. However, minor leaks can be stopped with several homemade remedies, including: Duct tape.

How much does a water leak repair cost?

One of the more common types of pipe leaks is due to clogs, like food debris or grease buildup, which costs $150 to $300 to fix. On the other hand, water line leaks cost $190 to $1,500 or more to repair, and waste line leak repairs range from $150 to $4,700.

How does a plumber find a water leak underground?

Professionals and plumbers use devices to detect where the water is leaking by using electrical signals underneath the ground. Using a pipe locator device is the most common way to detect underground water leaks. This device uses radio waves to detect metal pipes, making it easy to find and fix the leak.

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