The average lifespan of a water line is 50 years, so if your line is older than that, a full replacement is probably in order. Material of the waterline. Older homes may have lead piping.
The water supply pipe can last decades, so it can be hard to predict when it will need to be replaced. Signs of a broken water service line include a sudden increase in water bills, soggy spots on the property, low water pressure, or contaminated water.
While they are generally durable and long-lasting, it is recommended to replace them every 5-7 years as a preventative measure to avoid potential leaks or bursts. It's important to regularly inspect braided water lines for any signs of wear or damage and replace them immediately if any issues are found.
The Lifespan of a Water Line
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.
The national average for replacement ranges from $1,500 to $12,000, with most homeowners paying around $3,750 for replacing a 25-foot long main line with galvanized steel using a trenchless installation.
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 water main is actually the pipes that are installed and maintained by the city or town you live in. These service lines include all of the piping used to deliver water to your water service pipe.
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.
Nothing lasts forever. On a long enough timeline, every plumbing pipe and fixture in your home will need to be replaced -- including your plumbing system's primary artery, the main water line leading to your home.
1. Copper. Copper piping has been used in plumbing and water supply applications for years because it resists corrosion and protects water quality. Copper pipes can withstand high temperatures and water pressures, as well as be recycled.
We recommend changing braided supply lines every 10 years to avoid injuries such as those sustained by the appliance service technician as well as to protect your home and other property from water damage. If you are unsure of how old your supply lines are or how to replace them, RMS can help.
A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe. If the scraped area is copper in color, like a penny, your service line is copper. A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe. If the scraped area remains a dull gray, and a magnet sticks to the surface, your service line is galvanized steel.
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.
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.
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.
Inside the house, crews detach where the line connects to plumbing. A cable is fed through the old service line with a coil attached to one end of the new pipe. The crew uses equipment to pull the cable with the lead service line and the new pipe through the ground. The new pipe is then connected to the water main.
You can use a magnet to determine if you have galvanized pipes, because it will stick. A magnet will not stick to copper or lead. Copper pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny orange color, like a new penny. Lead pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny silver color and will be easy to scratch.
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.
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.
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.
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.