One of the most important parts of your plumbing system is the main line, also known as the sewer line. We here at Monkey Wrench Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electric have helped thousands of customers since 2007 with more than just their plumbing problems.
What is a Main Line? To put it simply, your main line is your sewer line. It's a line located underground that carries all wastewater from your home to a municipal connection or septic tank, not just toilet water.
A water supply line is the main water line that allows water to enter your property. Your water supply line is connected directly to the public main water distribution line, typically located under the roadway. Each service line should have its own individual tap connection on the public main.
Water main pipes can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, clay, concrete, and plastics. In terms of size, the most common water main pipe diameter ranges from 6 to 16 inches, although there are 8, 10, and 12-inch options available as well.
Sewer line replacement costs stem from labor, permits, materials, excavation, and landscaping restoration, potentially running from $4,000 to $25,000. Trenchless sewer replacement methods can save long-term costs by minimizing disruption and avoiding extensive excavation, despite higher initial charges.
Does homeowners insurance cover your sewer line if it's damaged? Damage to your sewer line may be covered by your policy if it is caused by perils such as hail or windstorms, explosions, lightning or fire, damages caused by vehicles, vandalism or falling objects.
As we mentioned above, it's certainly possible for a homeowner to perform sewer line replacement or sewer line repair. However, it's definitely not an easy job. When you replace the sewer line yourself you run the risk of causing even more damage.
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.
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.
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.
The water pipe brings fresh drinking water to your home. The sewer pipe takes all used water and waste material out of your home.
Today, the Main Line is another name for the western suburbs of Philadelphia along Lancaster Avenue (U.S. Route 30) and the former main line of the Pennsylvania Railroad and extending from the city limits to, traditionally, Bryn Mawr and ultimately Paoli, an area of about 200 square miles (520 km2).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Main Water Line Repair by Type of Repair Needed
A cracked pipe can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000, while a broken pipe runs between $500 and $5,000. Corroded pipe repair costs from $600 to $5,000.
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.
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.
Main drains are located in the walls and floors of your home, while sewer line drains are located outside underground. Each drain pipe in your home is connected to a different household fixture on one end, including toilets, sinks and bathtubs, and the other end is connected to the main sewer line.
Typically, to replace a sewer line it can take anywhere from 1 to 2 days, to 3 to 5 days. In some rare cases, it may even be as quick as one day. Generally, the estimated time frame will depend on the layout of your property, your home's piping system, and the depth required to excavate.