Signs You Need a Main Water Line Replacement
Your main water line is the hub of all plumbing activity in the home. When it fails, you’ll be unable to access clean water in any area. Understanding the reasons main water lines fail, the most common water line issues and the signs you need a replacement main water line can help you protect water access throughout the home. In this latest guide from the plumbers here at Thunderbird Plumbing, we explain main water line replacement projects.
What is the Main Water Line?
The main water line is the backbone of your home’s plumbing structure. It connects with the city’s distribution system and directs water throughout the home using a metering device to manage usage.
From the main water line, there are pipes to faucets, toilets, showers, and home appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers. For cold water, the main water line serves water immediately ready for use throughout the home. When you turn on the hot water, the main line sends water to the water heater with additional connections for showers and faucets. The main water line also connects with taps outside the home.
What are the Most Common Signs of a Main Water Line Problem?
Multiple Drain Clogs
One clogged drain is common and is usually the result of hair or similar debris collecting in the individual connection point. When more than one drain clogs and water begins reversing into the home, there’s a significant problem likely relating to your main water line.
Call a plumber immediately if you notice multiple drain clogs on the same day, as they may be able to prevent the need for line replacement with a prompt repair job.
Discoloured Water
Discoloured water could be a rusting water heater or a failure at a connection point, causing a leak in the line. Water colour changes can result from a main water line failure. Check for discolouration at multiple locations throughout the home.
If the water from one faucet is discoloured you may have an isolated issue due to sediment buildup in that location. If the issue impacts more than one faucet, there’s likely a significant issue with the water in the main line.
Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure limits the effectiveness of multiple appliances. If you’re experiencing low water pressure in tandem with discoloured water and clogged drains, the signs suggest a main line issue. Low water pressure may also relate to leaks elsewhere in your plumbing and sediment buildup. A comprehensive plumbing inspection can help isolate the cause and support a resolution.
Pooling Water
Pools of water that seem to run across your yard and throughout the property indicate a substantial water leak. Few areas of the home can leak that volume of water, and the main water line is the most obvious culprit. If you have a lush area of the lawn, look to your main sewer line or your septic tank as the leading cause – your plumber can help use leak detection technology to track down the source of the problem.
Steps to Take with a Main Water Line Problem
- Turn off the water at the shutoff valve.
- Call a local plumber for a same-day response.
- Contact city officials – call the City of Victoria’s Public Works team at 250-361-0400 for leak management options.
- Explore alternative accommodations in preparation for line repair work.
Victoria Plumbers for Main Water Line Repair and Replacement
Thunderbird Plumbing has decades of experience repairing and replacing main water lines in homes throughout Victoria. If you recognize any signs of an urgent repair issue highlighted in this post, contact our team today at 250-514-4044. We’ll schedule a plumber to visit you on the same day to explore water line service options.