Your main water line brings water from the meter at the street into the house. In most cities the homeowner owns the line from the meter to the house, so when it leaks or breaks, the repair is yours to arrange. Water line repair can be a spot repair or a full replacement, sometimes without digging a trench.
Signs include a wet patch in the yard, low pressure throughout the home, the sound of running water and a jump in the water bill.
When you need water line repair
- A soggy patch or sinkhole in the yard between the street and the house
- Low water pressure throughout the home
- A meter that moves when no water is used
- Discolored water
- Old galvanized or polybutylene service lines
What the job involves
- Confirm the leak and its location.
- Call 811 so underground utilities are marked before digging.
- Repair the damaged section or replace the line, sometimes by boring under the yard.
- Pressure test and pass inspection.
- Restore the yard, driveway or walkway.
What affects the cost
Sifixit does not quote prices, because every job is different. These are the things that move the price up or down, so you can compare quotes fairly:
- Length and depth of the line
- Spot repair or full replacement
- Trenching or trenchless boring
- Driveways, trees and landscaping in the way
- Permits and inspection
- Connection fees from the water utility in some cities
Insurance
Standard homeowners policies often exclude the cost of repairing an underground water line. Some insurers and utilities offer optional service line coverage. Water damage inside the home from a sudden break may be covered.
Licensing by state
Rules differ a lot between states. Here is who licenses this work in the states Sifixit covers most. Always ask for the license number and check it with the state.
- Texas: Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
- California: Contractors State License Board, C 36 plumbing license.
- Florida: Construction Industry Licensing Board, through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
- Arizona: Registrar of Contractors.
- Nevada: Nevada State Contractors Board.
- Georgia: State Construction Industry Licensing Board, Division of Master Plumbers.
- Colorado: Colorado State Plumbing Board.
- North Carolina: State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
Local help for water line repair
- Plumbing in Houston, TX
- Plumbing in Phoenix, AZ
- Plumbing in San Antonio, TX
- Plumbing in Harrisburg, PA
- Plumbing in Henderson, NV
- Plumbing in Irvine, CA
Quick answers: water line repair
Who is responsible for the water line?
Usually the homeowner, from the meter to the house. The utility handles the street side of the meter.
Can a water line be replaced without digging?
Often, with trenchless boring, depending on soil and the route.
Does insurance cover water line repair?
Often not, unless you have service line coverage.
How long does water line replacement take?
Often a day or two for a typical home.
Who repairs water lines?
A licensed plumber. Sifixit can connect you with a local plumber.
Looking for water line repair? Call the number on this page to be connected with an independent local provider. For more background, see the EPA’s WaterSense program.
This site is a free service to assist homeowners in connecting with local service contractors. All contractors are independent and this site does not warrant or guarantee any work performed. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site.
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