One of the worst plumbing problems that homeowners can run into is a problem with the water main. A leaky water main can come with a whole lot of problems. If the leak is located somewhere inside your residence, it could cause structural damage to your foundation. It can also ruin your walls, furnishings, flooring and more. If the leak is outdoors, it could create sinkholes and other types of permanent damage.
However, if you try to ignore the problem, it will only worsen. Issues that involve the water main need to be resolved immediately; otherwise, they will come with a whole host of other problems that will be even more costly to repair. This article will look at what repairing your water line looks like, signs that there’s something wrong, as well as some tips and tricks that may help you save some money. After all, traditional repair services can cost thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars.
What Is a Water Line Repair?
A water line repair will involve repairing the main water line. This pipe usually comes from the street and is how water is supplied to your home. The type of repair that is needed will depend on the extent of the damage. In minor cases, the plumbing may be patched up. However, in some worst-case scenarios, a water line repair may involve replacing a section of the plumbing.
This type of repair service may involve repairing the plumbing that’s not inside your home, but outside of your home. The plumbing may be in your front yard or your backyard. It’s important to get a good idea of where your property lines are before agreeing to any type of repair services.
Signs That You Need Water Line Repair Services
So, what are some signs that your home needs water line repair services and not some other plumbing services? Can you tell without the help of a professional?
The truth is that it can be difficult to tell. Unless you’re seeing some glaringly obvious signs, some other plumbing part could be an issue. With that said, here are some of the most common signs that there’s something wrong with the water line:
- There are large puddles in the yard even when it hasn’t rained. Have you noticed large puddles in the yard even when it’s always sunny out? Have you ever wondered where all of that water is coming from? If it’s not coming from the sky, then it’s coming from the ground. This is usually a sign that there’s a leak in the water line below. The puddle is usually located right above the leak. If you turn off the main water valve and the puddle slowly disappears, it’s basically a telltale sign that you need water line repair services.
- The water pressure in your home drops dramatically. We’re not talking about a minor drop here. We’re talking about a huge drop as in you barely get any water out of the faucets. This is usually a sign that there’s a blockage in the main water line.
- You have a very expensive water bill. If you’re all of a sudden faced with a huge water bill, you may also need water line repair services. This might be a sign that there’s a leak or a crack somewhere and that the majority of the water is not making it into the home.
- Strange noises are coming from your toilet. This might be a weird one, but it’s another way that many experts are able to tell whether water line repair services are needed. If you hear a strange gurgling sound coming from your sink or your toilet, you may have a plumbing problem that involves your water line.
- Cracks appear in the foundation. If you see this happen, you have a bigger problem on your hands than just your water line. You may need to get your foundation repaired. If there’s a major leak or crack in your water line, it will leak a lot of water into your foundation. This type of water damage can have a huge impact on the structural integrity of your home.
If you have any further questions or concerns about your home’s water line, you can always give us a call. Our licensed plumbers will be able to give you some idea on what your problem may be. We will also send someone out to assess the issue. A visual inspection will be able to give us more insight into what the problem may be and what solutions may work.
6 Tips and Tricks on How to Save Money on Water Line Repair Services
Depending on the extent of the damage as well as the amount of pipes that need to be replaced or repaired, water line repair services in Minneapolis, MN can be rather expensive and costly. This might be an issue for some people. However, not getting the problem fixed can be worse. It may lead to even more problems down the road. Due to this reason, we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks on how you can save money on water line repair services.
#1. Get a Better Idea of the Extent of the Damage
Before you agree to any type of water line repair services, you must get a good idea of the extent of the damage. The best way to do this is to get a video inspection. A video inspection will show you the condition of your plumbing, and it will also give you a better idea of how bad the damage is. It’ll also tell you where the damage is located, so you know whether you can repair only a section of the plumbing. From the condition of the plumbing, you may also want to make a decision as to whether you would like to repair or replace the entire plumbing. If there are other issues present, it may be a better idea to replace the entire plumbing to avoid headaches down the road.
The video inspection will usually only take up to an hour. It’ll give you a good idea of what’s going on. Many plumbing companies will offer a video inspection with every drain cleaning service. If you know for a fact that you need water line repair services, you can also schedule in a water line repair service, as our plumbers will always do a video inspection in the beginning.
#2. Consider Pipe Lining Services
One of the reasons why we are so popular is because our plumbers will always lay out all of the options that you have. We will always look at alternative solutions. Instead of costly water line repair services, we may recommend pipe lining services. This type of repair services are great if the water line is underneath a sideway or a driveway because you won’t have to replace or fix those areas when repairing the water line. Repaving a driveway could potentially cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars in renovation costs.
Pipe lining will use a new type of technology to cure a new pipe within the old one using epoxy resin. This type of repair service will save you as much as 30% on pipe repair and will also help you avoid excavation costs and other issues. With that said, this will slightly decrease the overall diameter of the water line. Speak with one of our licensed plumbers to get a better idea of what this may mean for your plumbing system.
#3. Consider Pipe Bursting Services
Has a section of your pipes fully collapsed? In some cases, pipe bursting services may be more affordable than water line repair services. Pipe bursting services do not require any extreme excavation, so you’ll be able to save a lot of money in that area. This type of service uses cone-shaped, steel-bursting heads to lay replacement lines after bursting the old pipes that were there before. This method is cheaper than traditional repair methods because it doesn’t require any excavation and because it can be completed within a relatively short period of time.
In comparison to traditional repair methods, pipe bursting takes several hours. It requires less materials and labor.
#4. Consider Sectional Point Repair if the Damage Is Isolated to One Small Area
Another solution that could potentially save you some money is a sectional point repair. This type of repair is mostly recommended if the damage is isolated to only one small area. Usually, this happens when something like a tree root bursts in through one section of the water line. There’s no reason to replace or repair the entire water line in this case, and a sectional point repair may be able to get the job done in a relatively quick and cheap fashion.
Sectional point repair can be done on many different types of pipes, from clay pipes to PVC/plastic pipes to iron pipes. To do this, our plumbers will use two small entry points to reline specific segments of the pipe. They will also use these entry points to patch up any cracks or leaks.
#5. Find a Reputable Plumbing Company
This part is really important. Most people don’t realize how important it is that they double check and triple check the references that the plumbing company is able to offer. A reputable plumbing company will not only guarantee their services, but they’ll also be able to do a better job. This means that you’re less likely to run into problems in the long run and down the road. It also basically means that you’ll be getting a lot more value for your money.
Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains is one of the most reputable plumbing companies in Minneapolis, MN. We have years of experience under our belts and have helped many homeowners solve their plumbing problems with ease. Most importantly, our licensed plumbers are insured, certified and able to guarantee the quality of their work.
#6. Look for Coupons and Discounts
Surprisingly, many people don’t realize that a lot of plumbing companies offer coupons and discounts for their services. Paul Bunyan Plumbing and Drains regularly offers coupons and discounts for all of our plumbing services. Senior citizens are able to get 20% off every wednesday, so if you’re a senior citizen, make sure that you schedule your appointment at that time.
You may also get a better deal if you call a plumbing company during times when they’re less busy, otherwise known as their -off-season times. You might also be able to get a discount if you work to their schedule rather than having the plumber work to yours.
Get Water Line Repair Services in Minneapolis, MN Today!
If you’re looking for water line repair services in Minneapolis, MN, give Paul Bunyan Plumbing & Drains a call at 952-209-9329. We will send a licensed plumber out to take a look at your problem and see what solutions may work for you. We understand that water line repair services can be rather costly, which is why we will also try to work within your budget. Our licensed plumbers will give you several solutions to choose from in different price ranges.
We’ll also walk you through the different solutions and give you a better idea of the pros and cons of each solution. While some solutions may be more costly initially, they may actually be a lot cheaper in the long run because you will be permanently fixing the problem. For example, in some cases, this may involve replacing an entire section of plumbing rather than patching up a leak. The faulty areas may be damaged, and merely patching it up may mean that the section involved may still crack in several years.
Our detailed diagnosis and assessments make us one of the most reliable plumbing companies in Minneapolis, MN. Don’t hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions or concerns. Our plumbers are here for you!
