6 Questions to Ask About Water Main Repairs and Installation

Indoor plumbing is a modern marvel, but it's not perfect. Leaks, clogs, and various other problems can affect your water main and other pipes, often requiring repair or replacement. When talking to a plumber or a water main repair pro, here are the questions to ask about your water main.

1. Is this an emergency?

Not all plumbing issues count as an emergency, but you want to know the signs of a plumbing emergency. A ruptured pipe, backed-up sewer system, or sagging ceiling are all issues that need to be addressed promptly. First, always turn off the water source to stop the leak. Describe the problem to the plumber to help them assess the situation and recommend the best course of action. 

2. Can you describe the problem?

Your plumbing problem may be complex and require a bit of description. For example, you may notice that all the sinks are slow to drains, which can signal a clog somewhere in the water main. Or, you may have noticed that your water bills are higher than usual, suggesting a leak in one of the pipes. Other common plumbing problems that can signal an issue with your water main include:

• Noisy pipes

• Flooded or constantly wet yard

• Low water pressure

• Discolored water

3. What would you like fixed?

Sometimes, water main repairs are pretty straightforward. Perhaps the water shut-off valve is a little rusty and stuck, and you'd like to replace it. Or you may be looking to replace a worn or broken pipe in your century home. A more extensive project, such as water main repair can require digging into your yard or flooring removal. 

4. When do you want to start the project?

If you need to replace your water main sooner rather than later, don’t wait on a plumber who is booked months in advance. When you’re not dealing with a plumbing emergency and the water valve for the problem area is shut off, you'll have some wiggle room regarding when to start the project. Ideally, any exterior work in colder climates should be delayed for warmer weather that will not result in freezing pipes. 

5. How long will the repair or installation take?

Some water main repairs can be completed in a day while others may require several days or weeks. Talk to the repair pro to get a timeline for the project. It's a good idea to ask whether water main line repair will disrupt your life during repair or installation. In some cases, when the water needs to be shut off extensively, you may want to temporarily move out.

6. Do you know your budget?

The average water main repair costs $1,025. However, your project may be much more or less, depending on what's needed. Plan for a budget before the project gets underway. It's worth calling your homeowners insurance representative to find out if your policy will cover some or all of the repairs.