Water Main

Your water main is the primary pipe that delivers fresh water from the municipal supply into your home, feeding every faucet, appliance, and fixture you rely on daily. Issues like low pressure, discolored water, or unexplained wet spots in your yard can signal trouble underground. Whether you need repairs, replacement, or just answers, Angi connects you with local pros and helpful resources to keep your water flowing.

Related to Water Main Service

Water Main Service Articles and Advice
Jacqueline DeMarco  •  May 16, 2026
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Who to Call When Your Water Main Breaks
If you’re not sure who to call when a water main breaks, learn which professional can help you get the job done right.
Jouviane Alexandre  •  May 3, 2026
How to Find Underground Water Leaks
Visual inspections can help you find underground leaks, but high water bills can also tip you off. Here’s how to find underground water leaks like a pro.
Dan Simms  •  May 3, 2026
What to Do if a Plumber Caused Water Damage in Your Home
Professionals should help you restore your home, not destroy it. Learn what to do if things go sideways and a plumber causes water damage to your property.
Amy Freeman  •  May 3, 2026
How Long Does It Take to Fix a Water Main Break?
Dealing with low water pressure? There could be a leak in the water main. Find out how long it takes to fix a water main break.
Kate Fann  •  May 3, 2026
Water Main Pipe Sizes: A Complete Guide for Homeowners
Choosing the wrong water main pipe size can lead to pressure issues and wasted money. Find out how to size it right for efficiency and long-term performance.
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What Is a Booster Pump and How Does It Work?
A water booster pump is a device you can install on your main water supply line to improve water pressure throughout your home. Find out if you need one.
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Common Water Main Service Questions

Whether a water main break counts as an emergency plumbing situation or not depends on the extent of the problem. Your municipality will let you know if you need to leave your home, and when it is safe to return. If the problem is in your service line, a local plumber can help you determine if it's an emergency.

When you find water damage, your first order of business is to keep everyone on the property safe, so if you have standing water, evacuate if it’s safe. If possible, find the source of the water and stop it, which could mean shutting your water main to prevent pipe leaks. Next, you should notify your insurance company and immediately call a water damage restoration professional. They will work with you and your insurance company to create a solution to fix the issue and file an insurance claim for the cost of the damage.

Determining if your water main contains lead involves a few steps. First, check the age of your property, as homes built before the 1980s might have lead pipes. Contact your water utility company for information on your service line material. Then, you can hire a professional plumber to conduct an inspection or use a lead testing kit to analyze water from the main line.

While you may have some water, it's best to wait until after the repair is complete to use your home's pipes. For one thing, the water pressure will most likely be greatly reduced, leading to a less-than-intense shower. There's also the risk of contamination from dirt and bacteria that can enter the broken water main pipe. In many cases, a pro will turn off the flow of water from your water main to do the repairs, so showering won’t likely be an option.

PEX is approved for use with main water lines due to its stability and resistance to high water pressure. If you live in a cold climate and are wondering how to unfreeze pipes, it's helpful to know that PEX is less likely to burst in freezing temperatures. You can also insulate your pipes to prevent freezing and protect your PEX piping.