There is no way to know what the future holds. Every fixture and plumbing pipe in your home, including the primary artery of your plumbing system, will eventually need to be replaced.
This is the underground line that connects your household plumbing and the municipal water supply. Although you may not be able to determine its age, location, or the exact material of the pipe, this information could prove useful, even if the water line is still in good condition after decades of service.
What’s at stake
Everything depends on the main water supply. Every plumbing fixture and appliance in your house is affected if the main water line has a problem. If the line is damaged beyond repair or collapses, water will be cut off until a replacement is possible. This usually takes several days.
If you are lucky, your home’s plumbing system will last for at least 70 years. However, this depends on many factors and even though they are in your favor, there is still the possibility of damage.
It can be costly and disruptive to replace your main water line. Therefore, it is important to allow as much time as possible before replacing it. It is smart to schedule a camera inspection on your mainline every two years to keep track of it.
We’ll show you how the most serious threats to your mainline are very slow. A camera inspection can give you a head start and allow for you to control the project timeline.
What can go wrong?
Although you might think your mainline is well-protected under all the dirt, it still faces threats from both the outside and inside. Tree roots are the most dangerous threat from the outside. Tree roots can creep towards the pipe for years, sometimes breaking it or causing leaks. It could also be a shovel that causes damage if someone digs in your yard and doesn’t know where the line runs.
The pipe can become smaller from the inside due to sediment buildup. After decades of water flow, rust can form on almost any metal pipe material.
What to do
A plumber can help you decide when and how to replace your main waterline. A plumber will recommend replacement if your mainline is iron or lead. Iron lines are susceptible to rusting and lead is extremely toxic. The new water lines of today are primarily made from copper or PVC.
Time is critical if you have an active breach. A repair is more cost-effective than replacing a line that is in good condition. However, both jobs can involve digging up your lawn, breaking up concrete, and even cutting down trees. It’s best to seek total replacement if you have a reasonable possibility of having to do that within the next 10-20 years.
It is best to get ready for this job when everything is in good working order. A licensed plumber can help you find every foot of your mainline and assess its condition. This will help you be prepared for any eventuality, including biennial inspections.
If you’re looking for other opportunities to safeguard against flood damage, or if you’re facing repairs in the aftermath of a recent flood, contact a qualified plumber today. Contact us .