Often, a simple plunger routine won’t solve your plumbing needs. Most homeowners throughout the Athens region experience water main problems (or house water service line problems) at one point or another, and in many cases, a professional plumber is needed in order to remedy the situation.

Below, are some helpful things you’ll want to know if you find yourself in need of a water line repair or replacement.

What is a House Service Water Main?

Your water main is the primary (or, “main”) pipe bringing water to your home. Labeled “private water service line” in the diagram above, it’s usually located underground and connects your home to your community’s water source. Your water line should not be confused with your private sewer lateral, which takes used water and sewage away from the home.

Common Water Main Problems in the Athens area

Holes or cracks may develop in a water main over time, usually as a result of external corrosion from the soil and constant water pressure over time.

Water pipes are under a lot of constant pressure, so a break in the water main will cause water to flow out of the pipe and eventually to the surface level, whether that be the street, your front lawn, or the basement of your home. This could also lead to contaminated water in the home. It’s crucial to stop using appliances or drinking water when this occurs.

There is usually a house shutoff valve that will turn off the flow of water through the main in a plumbing emergency.

A leaky water valve is a common problem we see throughout the Athens region. Some types of water valves (such as gate valves) are more prone to leaking. It may be possible to tighten the packing nut on the water valve to stop the leak. Other DIY methods include adding additional washers or replacing old washers. However, in most cases it is best practice to call Plumber Pro Service to fix the leak. This is what we do every day for a living and professional help will be required if the valve needs to be completely replaced.

How to Detect Leaks in Your Plumbing

An unnoticed leak in your water main can cause extensive (and expensive) structural damage to your home. This can include damage to flooring and walls, mildew and mold issues, and water waste that is harmful to the environment and increases water bills.

How can you tell if you have a leak in your water main or other parts of your plumbing? Wet spots or mildew on your floors and walls are often one hint.

Remember, leaks are often located in hard to reach places, such as under a slab or buried in the lawn, hidden from view until they cause significant damage. The only way to positively know that your plumbing is leaking is to make sure all your water fixtures and appliances are turned off and watch your water meter for a few minutes to see if water is flowing. If all the water is completely shut off and the water meter is still running, you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing system. If you have a plumbing leak, give Plumber Pro Service a call immediately.

Water Main Repair and Replacement Tips

If a leak is detected in your water main, it’s important to fix the problem as soon as possible to avoid any long-term damage to the home and property.

Here are a couple things to keep in mind.

1) Know Before You Dig

In Athens, every single week there is an underground utility line that is damaged. In fact, did you know an underground utility line is damaged once every 6 minutes in the USA? Before attempting a water line repair or replacement, it’s crucial to a professional licensed plumber or call a utility line inspector so you will be properly protected from dangers such as electrocution or plumbing disasters.

2) Avoid DIY Repairs

Some online videos and articles will outline the basic steps necessary for pipe repair, but in our experience, this is a job best left to plumbing professionals. Those who attempt a DIY repair often end up paying much more in the long run because we have to clean up the mess and fix the disaster that was caused by the person that was trying to do it themselves. Often, there is much more damage to fix after the DIY goes wrong.

Talk to Plumbing Experts at Plumber Pro Service

For individual help understanding your water main problems, or to ask a question about a water line replacement, water line repair or any other plumbing issues on your Athens property, contact Plumber Pro Service at (706) 769-7761.