Locating and Repairing a Leaky Water Line

Repairing a leaky water line is not a task that anyone enjoys doing but it is also one that should not be put off. You may have realised you have a leak in your water supply pipe when you noticed your water bills were suddenly unusually high. Getting your water bills back in line is just one reason for getting a leaky water supply line fixed promptly.   In addition, a leaky water line will continue to get worse and can cause underground erosion, foundation damage, and other issues.

Once you suspect you have a leak somewhere along your water line, the next step is to confirm it. Check in your yard for any random wet spots around the area where the water supply pipe is buried. Any unexplainable damp patches are a strong indication that you have discovered the site of the leak. Another way to be sure is to turn of the water inside your home and check the meter reading. If it changes over the next hour or so, you have a leak and you need to think about contacting your plumber.

A leak underground involves digging up a section of your yard to gain access to the pipe. This is a job for a plumber rather that a DIY issue as the proper tools as well as knowledge and experience in water line repairs is required to do the job properly and professionally.

Once the plumber has been in and assessed the situation he may ask whether you would prefer to repair or replace the affected pipe. Your plumber will be able to explain in full the advantages and disadvantage of both and advise you on the best course of action based on your situation.

Broken Water Supply Line – Repair or Replace?

If your water supply line has broken or started leaking, you will be faced with the choice between replacing the pipe or repairing it.  A repair is usually much less expensive than a water line replacement, but before you fix that broken or leaking water supply line, there are a few things to take into consideration.

First, find out what type of material the leaking or broken water supply line is made of.   If the water supply line is galvanized steel or polybutylene pipe, don’t waste money trying to repair it.  Polybutylene and galvanized steel pipes were both used for water supply lines in millions of homes constructed from the 1960’s to the mid 1990’s.  Neither one is used today because both types of pipes are known to have a high rate of failure.  In fact, with either type of pipe, it’s not a matter of if it will fail, but when it will fail.  Once it fails, the entire pipe should be replaced.  If you try to repair it, the pipe will soon fail again at a different location.

Most other types of water supply lines such as copper, PVC, or polyethylene pipe can be repaired.  However, if the break or leak is under a driveway, sidewalk, or a landscaping feature, you may be better off replacing all or part of the pipe.  Compare the cost of replacing the entire water line with the cost of the repair combined with the cost of replacing the section of driveway, sidewalk, or landscape feature.  Another option to consider in this situation is trenchless pipe replacement.  Your plumber may be able to replace your entire pipe or the section that is difficult to reach without digging.

Finally, consider why the water supply line broke.  In some cases, replacing the line and re-routing it will prevent future problems.