Who to Call When Your Water Main Breaks

Owning a home comes with a surprise repair from time to time, but some are so disruptive, that you have no choice but to bring in a professional to help. If your water main breaks, you want to find help fast. Otherwise, you risk your water supply becoming contaminated, flooding, and property damage. So, who should you call for a water main break? Learn why you should call a plumbing professional near you if your water main breaks.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumbing Professional for Water Main Break

When a water main breaks, hiring a licensed plumber is the best course of action. Here’s why:

• Expertise in water line repairs: Plumbers specialize in water supply systems and understand how to diagnose and fix main breaks efficiently.

• Proper licensing and permits: Many municipalities require licensed plumbers to handle water main repairs to help ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.

• Equipment: Plumbers have specialized tools, such as water main pipe locators and trenchless repair equipment, to minimize disruption and complete the job effectively. Buying all of these tools on your own would be quite expensive. 

• Emergency response: Many plumbing companies offer 24/7 emergency services, which is crucial since water main breaks can quickly cause flooding and water loss.

• Long-term Solutions: A professional plumber will not just patch the current problem; they can also assess the system for underlying issues to help prevent future breaks.

Can I Hire a General Contractor for a Water Main Break?

While general contractors are skilled at overseeing construction projects, they are not the best choice for repairing a water main break. They can handle broader projects that involve multiple areas of expertise, but plumbing repairs are a specific skill set that most general contractors rarely possess.

However, a general contractor can coordinate with plumbers, utility companies, and local officials if the repair requires excavation or work on the street. If the water main break is part of a larger renovation or construction project, they may be able to manage the logistics of the repair and ensure everything runs smoothly. 

Can I Hire a Handyperson for a Water Main Break?

Though handypersons are skilled in a variety of home repairs, tackling a water main break goes beyond their scope of expertise. While handypersons can sometimes handle minor plumbing tasks, the risk of incomplete or improper repairs increases when it comes to a major issue like a water main break.

While hiring a handyperson would cost less, they often lack the necessary permits, insurance, and specialized tools to repair a water main break. Without the proper licensing, there may also be legal issues if local laws require professional intervention for such repairs. 

How Do Plumbers Fix Water Main Breaks? 

When a water main breaks, a licensed plumber follows a series of steps to restore the water flow and prevent further damage. Here’s what to expect.

1. Shut off the water supply: First, they’ll shut off the water supply to the broken main to stop flooding or water loss. Next, they’ll assess the damage, often using specialized equipment like pipe locators to find the exact location of the break.

2. Excavate the area: Once identified, the plumber will excavate the area around the break, which may involve digging up the street or yard, depending on where the pipe is located. 

3. Do the repairs: After exposing the damaged section, they will either repair or replace the broken pipe. In some cases, they may use trenchless technology, which requires minimal digging and reduces disruption to the surrounding area.

4. Run final tests: The plumber will test the new or repaired pipe to ensure the water flows correctly and check for any leaks. Once the repair is confirmed to be secure, they’ll fill in the excavation site and restore the area to its original state.

How Much Does Fixing a Water Main Break Cost?

The cost of repairing a water main break ranges between $350 and $1,700, with the average cost falling around $1,025. However, the final price depends on the specific type of repair needed. For instance, fixing a leaky valve can cost anywhere from $150 to $700, while replacing a valve ranges from $150 to $300, depending on its location.

For more extensive issues, such as pipe damage, the cost varies significantly. A cracked pipe repair costs between $500 and $1,000, while the cost of fixing a broken pipe can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on the severity of the damage and the complexity of the repair. Corroded pipes are the most expensive to repair, with costs ranging from $600 to $5,000, as the corrosion requires complete pipe replacement. 

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Although it may be tempting to save money by repairing your main water line yourself, it's best to leave this job to a professional plumber. In many areas, local regulations even mandate that major plumbing repairs be handled by a licensed plumber.