Out of sight, out of mind. With most water lines being underground, homeowners often do not think about them at all- until something goes wrong. The main water line brings much needed water into your home for all plumbing systems, and this line does not last forever. If you are unsure about the age, length, or location of your water line and do not wish to have any unpleasant surprises, read on for some valuable tips on when a water line may go bad.
The first thing for homeowners to realize is the importance of their main water line. Every fixture or appliance in your home that uses water will not work properly if a problem happens with this line, and serious damages can mean no running water for up to a few days. In a perfect place, a main water line can last up to 70 years or more, but often other factors prevent this long lifespan. Since it can be expensive to replace at the end of a water line’s life, the best way to predict repairs is to be proactive and schedule a drain camera inspection bi-yearly. The experts performing the inspection will be able to see early onset damages, which allows you plenty of time to prepare for repair or replacement.
It may be hard to notice damages on your water line because often damages are slow moving and occur over time. Damages can occur both from the outside and inside of the pipe, and include threats such as tree roots, shovels or machinery, rust, or sediment buildup. The best way to combat these damages is to consult with a plumbing professional about the best path to take. Not all damages lines need full replacement, but a plumber will recommend that pipes made of iron or lead be replaced as soon as possible due to the fast rusting and toxic qualities. In some cases, such as with a leak, repairs will have to be done quickly, but the line may only need a patch. Keep in mind that even this repair may require crews to dig up your lawn or break concrete, so if the pipe is nearing the end of its life it may be beneficial to replace it prematurely rather than ruin your yard twice.
Even if your water line is working properly, there may be unseen threats waiting to damage it. It’s best to be proactive and get to know your water line before damages happen. For help locating and inspecting your line, contact Goodsense Plumbing & Drain Cleaning today.