How to Repair a Broken Underground Water Line
- Step 1. Locate the spot. This task is easy if you have "Old Faithful" exploding in your front yard. If your first hint...
- Step 2. Turn off the main water shut off once you find the leak. If you're in the city you need someone from the city...
- Step 3. Dig a trench along the area that shows signs of water leaking. Go down deep...
How to repair a broken underground water line?
How to Repair a Broken Underground Water Line. 1 Step 1. Locate the spot. This task is easy if you have "Old Faithful" exploding in your front yard. If your first hint was merely a high water bill, ... 2 Step 2. 3 Step 3. 4 Step 4. 5 Step 5. More items
What is the best way to fix a water line leak?
A compression union fittingis the best choice when reattaching the 2 good ends of the water line. You could also take your small damaged section of water line with you to the hardware store (or RV dealer if it’s closer), and they can fix you up with the proper fitting.
Should I repair or replace my water main line?
It is strongly suggested not to repair a water main just to save a few dollars. It is common for a water line repair to leak again in the future, which leads to spending more money to stop the leak. Repairing your pipe at two separate times may end up costing you more money than if you replaced the entire pipe at one time from the beginning.
What are the signs of a broken water line or leak?
Signs of a broken water line or leaking water main The most common sign in becoming aware of a water leak is observing a stream of water. The stream of water may become apparent through the foundation wall, showing up on your property or in the roadway. If you do observe a water leak, it does not necessarily mean it is your pipe that is leaking.
Can you patch a water line?
1:133:23Do-it-Yourself : Quick Water Pipe Repairs - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother easy way to repair a leaking water pipe is with a pipe repair kit like one of these.MoreAnother easy way to repair a leaking water pipe is with a pipe repair kit like one of these.
What do you do when a water pipe bursts?
Things to Do About a Burst PipeTurn off main. Before anything else, turn off the water supply. ... Call a plumber. Next, call a plumber. ... Clean the water. Clear away any water quickly to avoid excess water damage. ... Drain faucets. ... Let in warm air. ... Keep doors open. ... Repair sleeve. ... Rubber, wood piece, and clamp.
Can you fix a burst pipe on your own?
Call a Plumber Unless you feel comfortable trying to repair a broken pipe on your own, you're probably going to need a plumber at some point. You can, however, do several things before calling the plumber that will help reduce the impact of a broken pipe.
How long does a burst water pipe take to fix?
The length of time taken to repair the water main can vary, and there are so many factors that play apart, but most are fixed within three hours.
How do you know if a pipe has burst in the ground?
If you notice the following signs, you might have an underground water leak in your home:Noticeable drop in water pressure when using plumbing appliances.Hissing or splashing noises.Dirty or rusty water (although this could be due to another problem)An increase of mold or water-loving insects in your home.More items...•
What is the best sealant for leaking pipes?
The following list looks at the best pipe thread sealant for a number of applications.BEST OVERALL: Gasoila – SS16 Soft-Set Pipe Thread Sealant with PTFE.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dixon Valve TTB75 PTFE Industrial Sealant Tape.BEST FOR WATER: Oatey 31230 Pipe Joint Compound with PTFE with Brush.More items...•
What causes water pipes to burst?
Like ice buildup, clogs can block pipes and cause pressure to build. If this pressure becomes too great, the pipe is likely to burst. Clogging can be caused by hair, soap scum, bathroom products, food or other materials ending up in a drain or toilet.
How do you dry out a pipe?
Drying Out a House After a Burst PipeOpen windows in the house to vent moist air out. ... Remove pools and puddles of water with a wet/dry vacuum. ... Turn on one or several dehumidifiers to remove the water from the house. ... Use your HVAC system as a giant dehumidifier.
What causes water pipes to burst?
Like ice buildup, clogs can block pipes and cause pressure to build. If this pressure becomes too great, the pipe is likely to burst. Clogging can be caused by hair, soap scum, bathroom products, food or other materials ending up in a drain or toilet.
What is a cracked water line?
A cracked or severed underground water line is a vexing problem that few homeowners ever want to face. Much like a broken sewer pipe, a broken underground water line appears that it might be an expensive, time-consuming project that upsets your entire life. But it doesn't have to be that way.
How to tell if you have a leak in your water line?
Determine If You Have a Leak. Some common indicators of a leak in your underground water line include: Unexplained increase in municipal water bills. Water meter indicator is spinning even though no water in or around the house is turned on. Mushy, soft spots in yard.
What color is the paint on my yard?
Typically a free service, a technician will mark your yard with paint indicating blue for potable water lines, red for electrical cables, green for sewer pipes, and orange for gas, oil, and steam. Call 8-1-1 for scheduling.
How far below ground level is water line?
Unlike sewer lines, which can run several feet below ground-level, water service lines typically are located just below your area's freeze line: from 1 foot to 3 feet below ground-level.
How to locate a leak in a house?
One way to do this is by running a sightline from your home's street-side water meter to the point where the water enters your home.
How long has Lee been remodeling?
Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years.
Can you repair an underground water line?
But it doesn't have to be that way. By separating this project into manageable steps, you can repair your underground water line by yourself, or at least take on some parts of it, thus reducing the project's overall cost. Repairing an underground water line is often less arduous than repairing a sewer line since the line is located closer to ground level. Plus, the digging can be done by hand, eliminating the need for hiring an expensive compact excavator.
What to do if your underground water line is galvanized?
If your old pipe is galvanized use a copper to metal fitting to connect the two. Always wear safety glasses. If the underground water line looks too worn, replace the entire line or the same problem will probably occur again. How to Repair a Broken Underground Water Line.
How to fix a leak in a pipe?
Cut out the spot that leaks; make it at least 6 inches on each side of the leak. Get rigid copper pipe for the section. If you have to purchase the pipe in longer lengths, such as 5-foot lengths, you may as well use it all. Cut the exact measurement within 1/16 to 1/8 inch shorter. You need a little wiggle room.
How to heat a pipe coupling?
Heat the coupling in the center from underneath with a propane torch and as you do put a piece of lead-free solder wire from the spool, on top of the edge of the coupling that connects to the old pipe. When you see the solder drip from the bottom of that joint, put the solder atop the other edge of the coupling on the new pipe side. Do this on both couplings. Weatherproof with a tar base insulator on the new section.
How to find a septic tank in dry weather?
In dry weather you can always locate 2 things--the first is the septic tank and the second is a broken underground waterline. Look where the grass is greener. In wet and stormy weather, check the ground for spots with puddles or softer soil.
Can you repair a water pipe that is leaking?
If you suspect that your water pipes are leaking because your water bill has gone through the roof, there's a damp or muddy spot on the lawn and the rest of the yard is bone dry or you actually can see water spraying up through the ground, you can take several steps to repair the damage. It isn't incredibly easy to repair a broken underground water ...
Why does water get stuck in elbow fittings?
Often, water can get trapped in an elbow fitting when a low spot is created. The split or crack can be hard to see, but as soon as you turn on the water pump, water will spray everywhere.
What happens when water lines freeze?
When water lines freeze and split, you will be left with a cut in the line — possibly as long as an inch or so. Usually there is enough slack or movement in the line to allow you to cut out the damaged section containing the split. Then, you can rejoin the two ends with one fitting.
Can you cut copper water lines?
Cutting copper lines will require a tubing cutter so you don’t deform the tube. A utility knife will allow you to cut plastic water lines. In either case, cut out only a section large enough to remove the damage.
What caused the broken pipe or leaking water main?
The most common factor leading to a water main break is natural wear and tear. The average life span of a water main is 60 years, some may last a lot longer and some may leak earlier. Another common reason for a water main to leak before reaching the 60 year point is shoddy plumbing. The prior contractor may not have installed the pipe properly, or may not have used the adequate fittings when connecting to the city main or the piping inside your home.
Why does my copper pipe smell green?
A couple of less common possibilities are if your pipe has experienced electrolysis or has been disturbed by another utility company working near your home. Electrolysis occurs when a direct current electrical leak takes places underground. It is prone to attacking copper pipes and may result in an unusual smell and green tined staining on the pipe. Plastic tubing can be used to prevent electrolysis. Electrolysis is most common in houses located near a train trestle.
How to tell if water main is broken?
Another common sign is a rumbling or hissing noise coming from the water main at the point of where the pipe enters the house. The only time you should hear a noise on your water main is when water is being used in the house. It is likely that you have a broken water main if your water is not being used and you hear a noise on the water pipe.
What does it mean when water pipes make a hissing noise?
The hissing noise is a strong indication that water is exiting the pipe at some point in-between the house , and the city water main in the roadway. The third most common sign is if you have experienced a loss of water pressure. Not every water main leak may lead to a loss of water pressure however; this is a possibility ...
Why is my water pipe leaking?
Most homeowners enter a state of stress, confusion and tend to panic as soon as they become aware of a broken pipe. There are many different reasons why your water pipe may be leaking, as well as several steps to follow when repairing your pipe.
How to tell if a water leak is a pipe?
The most common sign in becoming aware of a water leak is observing a stream of water. The stream of water may become apparent through the foundation wall, showing up on your property or in the roadway. If you do observe a water leak, it does not necessarily mean it is your pipe that is leaking. Water always seeks its way towards the weakest point in the ground or through a wall. It is also possible that the leak is from a neighboring house. You should always call a licensed plumber to confirm the source of the leak.
What are the factors to consider when resolving a water line leak?
The three most important factors to consider when resolving a water line leak are the material, age of the pipe and whether the pipe has had a previous repair. Along with these three factors, the overall cost and reputation of the contractor are heavily factored into the final decision. It is strongly suggested not to repair a water main just ...
What is a PEX clamp?
PEX tubing is most commonly sold by-the-foot. PEX Stainless Steel Pinch Clamps - These clamps are used to secure the PEX tubing to the PEX fittings. They are generally sold in a pack of 10 and are available in all sizes. Ask Question.
What color is PEX tubing?
1) PEX tubing comes in two different colors, solid white and solid red. (White denotes a cold water line, while red denotes a hot water line). 2) PEX tubing has printed lettering that contains the words "PEX" (see figure below). 3) PEX tubing is rather flexible and easy to bend. (Be careful not to break your supply line by testing its flexibility). ...
What happens if a pinch clamp is not pictured?
If the pinch clamp does not look like the one pictured below, or the fitting begins to slip out of the tube when pulled, then the pinch clamp needs to be removed and replaced.
How to release water pressure in a home?
Turn the valve off. You can release the water pressure in the line that you will be working on by turning on the faucet that the line is supplying water to.
Where is the PEX swivel screw?
PEX FPT Swivel - Screws into the bottom of the faucet on your sink or shower.
What to do if there is a gap in a pipe?
If the gap still exists, exceeding 1/8", a new section of tubing needs to be cut. The key to a good cut is keeping the pipe cutter perpendicular to the pipe.
Is PEX tubing flexible?
3) PEX tubing is rather flexible and easy to bend. (Be careful not to break your supply line by testing its flexibility). If you have safely identified your water supply line as PEX tubing, then it's your lucky day! Continue reading to learn how you can easily repair your water lines. Ask Question.
What is compression union fitting?
A compression union fitting is a good choice when you only need to reconnect two good ends of line. Elbow fittings can trap water and might need replacing, and pipe thread fittings often need reinforcing with a couple of layers of Teflon tape. When in doubt, take the broken piece with you to a hardware store and ask for help.
What happens when you turn on a water pump?
You turn on your water pump and water starts running all over the floor. Not fun to clean up, but at least it’ll tell you where to look for the break. It might take some time to rummage through all those cabinets and storage spaces to find the problem area, but you can usually find the leak.
Do you need a tubing cutter for copper lines?
Just a note – copper lines will require a tubing cutter to avoid deforming the tube, while a utility knife is sufficient for plastic lines. So what kind of fitting do you need? This might be the tricky part. A compression union fitting is a good choice when you only need to reconnect two good ends of line.
Can you cut out a broken copper line?
Regardless of whether yours are made of plastic or copper (the latter is more common of the older models), most often you can simply cut out the damaged section of line containing the split and reconnect the two loose ends into a new fitting. If the break is significant and requires a large section to be removed, you’ll need two fittings and a replacement line similar in length to what you took out to fix the break.
Can you fix a broken water line in an RV?
Do you have a broken water line in your RV and think you need to call a pro to take care of it? Think again! If you can tackle it at home, you can often fix it in your RV. In fact, there are many jobs the average DIY-er can do. This series looks at ten of the most common RV repairs and what you can do to fix them yourself.