Main Water Line Repair

Water Main Utah

Main Water Line Repair in

Salt Lake City


Have a water-line issue? At Water Main Utah, we've got you covered - we’ll walk you through the most important considerations of water line repair, from how to spot water line issues, common causes of underground water line leaks, how to decide between repair and replacement, and repair cost, so you can make the best decision on how to address the leak in your water line. 


Our team of water main specialists will give your water line repair project our highest level of attention and get the job done as quickly, and cost effectively as possible, and with minimal disruption to your schedule and use of your property.


Water Main Utah

Main Water Line Repair in Salt Lake City

Have a water line issue? Water Main Utah specializes in fast, cost-effective repairs with minimal disruption to your property. Our experts guide you through spotting leaks, understanding common causes, and deciding between repair or replacement to help you make the best decision for your home.


Have a water-line issue? At Water Main Utah, we've got you covered - we’ll walk you through the most important considerations of water line repair, from how to spot water line issues, common causes of underground water line leaks, how to decide between repair and replacement, and repair cost, so you can make the best decision on how to address the leak in your water line. 


Our team of water main specialists will give your water line repair project our highest level of attention and get the job done as quickly, and cost effectively as possible, and with minimal disruption to your schedule and use of your property.


How to Know If You Have a Broken Main Water Line:

Main Water Line Leak Symptoms

Identifying a burst underground water line can be a challenge, especially here in Utah where these pipes are often buried deep to guard against freezing temperatures or concealed beneath concrete slabs. But, in our dry Salt Lake Valley climate, any unexplained presence of water or moisture should raise concern. Most leaks begin small, but get worse over time. It's critical to deal with water line issues promptly before significant damage occurs. The extent of many of these symptoms will vary depending on the severity of the leak. Here are some sure signs and red flags signaling potential issues with your water service lines that require prompt attention:

  • Strange Noises or Water Sounds

    Audible noises emanating from the water service line, such as gurgling or hissing, or odd water sounds running through the walls is one of the first signs of a water line leak. A normally functioning water supply is a closed system that dampens the sound of water moving through the pipes. A leak will cause strange noises and water movement in the pipes to be more audible.

  • Low Water Pressure

    Unexpected drops in water pressure across all plumbing fixtures in the home is a sign of a water line leak. This is noticeable when your shower lacks force or when multiple water valves are opened simultaneously.

  • Discolored Water or Rusty Water

    Discolored, murky, or contaminated water, suggestive of a potential water line leak or corrosion in the water pipes that is impacting your clean water supply .


  • Increased Water Bills

    Surprisingly high water bills without a discernible explanation indicate water is somehow exiting the closed system of your water supply of your plumbing system and is a sure sign of water line problems.

  • Soft Spots in Your Lawn or Water in the Street

    Abnormally large wet patches, unusual puddles where your yard looks flooded, or excessively lush areas in your yard could indicate a water line, sewer line or irrigation line leak.


  • Standing Water

    Unexplained water leaks manifesting indoors or on your property, particularly in areas such as the basement, beneath sinks, or on the floor indicates plumbing issues and could be coming from your main water line.

  • Mold, Spots or Discolored Walls

    Signs of dampness on drywall, mold growth on walls or ceilings, or a musty or unpleasant odor can be a sign of a water leak somewhere in your plumbing system, but could the result of a main water line leak.

  • Foundation Cracks

    The emergence of new or widening foundation cracks near the water main's location can occur as a result of water saturating the soil, putting pressure on your home or property structure's foundation.

How to Detect a Water Line Leak

A helpful way to confirm an underground water service line leak is to shut off all water fixtures and monitor water meter activity. If the meter continues registering water flow even though all the valves and fixtures are off, it strongly suggests a water line leak. For more intricate scenarios, it’s definitely a great idea to get a leak detection test, which requires specialized expertise and equipment. Our team of water main experts at Water Main Utah can conduct this test to confirm and pinpoint any leaks present.


Should you encounter one or more of these indications of a compromised water service line, it’s important to act quickly. An unattended water main burst or leak poses significant health and property risks, potentially compromising the structural integrity of your premises. The costs to fix damage from a malfunctioning main water line invariably escalate the longer the issue remains unaddressed.


Common Causes of Underground Water Line Issues

The need for underground water pipe repair from a busted line is caused by the elements of nature acting on the pipes, both naturally with time, as is the case with corrosion and natural aging, as well as due to event like tree root invasions, extreme freezing or seismic events. Whatever the cause, the impact to your fresh water supply requires the problem to addressed quickly to avoid health risks from contamination and damage to your property. These the the major culprits of water line issues.

  • Corroded Pipes

    Pipes made of metal can corrode, which can cause blockage, a reduction in water pressure and impact potable water quality. Corroded pipes indicate structural compromise to underground water lines and that they are nearing failure. Mineral buildup in pipes can also reduce water flow.

  • Extreme Freeze Thaw Cycles

    Extreme temperature changes take a toll on pipe material and are a frequent culprit of main water line breaks. Burst pipe can occur when the pipes are not buried sufficiently deep or the freeze line penetrates deeper than anticipated with standard pipe depth.

  • Soil Issues

    Soil movement due to seismic events or spring runoff saturation can put stress on underground water pipes that lead to a break. Though not a common problem here in the Salt Lake Valley, acidic soil can degrade underground water pipes.

  • Blocked Water Line

    Internal pipe corrosion, mineral buildup, or a pipe intrusion such as by tree roots can all cause an underground service lateral to become blocked.

  • Aging Pipes/Old Pipes

    Deteriorated cast-iron water pipes, aging galvanized steel pipes or piping of any material will degrade with time. Life expectancy of underground pipe is expected to be 50-75 years, depending on the material used, but due to a range of localized factors, pipes can age at an accelerated pace and aging pipes are subject to failure in an extreme freeze/thaw event, or with soil movement. As pipes age, leaks occur with higher frequency.

  • Tree Root invasion

    Tree roots can compromise and breach underground water lines and eventually block the line.


What To Do If You Have a Main Water Line Issue?

Most houses and all commercial buildings have a shutoff valve that can be used to stop the flow of water from the main in an emergency. Salt Lake City Public Utilities (or the other water utilities in the Salt Lake Valley) will shut off water flow in an emergency. But if not, you can cut off water flow yourself. The shutoff valve for a residential home is typically located next to the water meter) and requires a water meter key.

A leaking water shutoff valve, not the underground water line, can also be a problem. Certain types of water valves (such as gate valves) are prone to leaking. Sometimes it's possible to tighten the packing nut, and this can stop the leak of the water valve. Adding extra washers or replacing the existing washers can help stop a leaky valve. However, if you are unable to stop the leak, it’s time to seek professional help to replace the valve.


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Choosing Between Water Main Line Repair and Replacement

The decision between a water service line repair or a full replacement of the entire line usually comes down to assessing the likelihood that the pipe will need to be repaired again in the near future. Generally, repairing a water main pipe is cheaper than replacing the entire underground water service line, but that might not be the best call in the long run. Here are some key factors to weigh when deciding between a water line replacement and a spot repair:


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Material of Water Main Service Line

Older water main lines might be made of materials like galvanized or lead, which are unsafe and should be replaced for health reasons. Galvanized pipes rust easily and are prone to unexpected ruptures, are difficult to repair and don't connect well to other pipe materials, not to mention they can't handle standard water pressure levels. For safety and reliability, these pipes should always be replaced.

Age of Existing Water Main Pipe

Main water service lines typically last about 50 years, depending on the material. If your line is older and springs a leak or ruptures, there's a good chance more issues will arise in the future unless the pipe is replaced. Moreover, old pipes can become brittle, making it tough to connect them with new ones. Often, replacing the main water line costs less than doing two separate repairs, making it a smarter investment upfront.

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Past Repairs on the Water Line

If your water line has been repaired before and you're facing another issue, it's a sign that the line is at a higher risk of failing. Lines that have undergone previous repairs are more prone to breaking again, and spending money on another repair might not be the wisest move.





Price Difference Between Repair and Replacement

While the costs of permits, tools, labor, and restoration are similar for both repairs and replacements, if the repair costs exceed 50-60% of the replacement cost, opting for a full replacement usually is more cost effective and makes more financial sense in the long run.


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In essence, when it comes to choosing between a water line repair and replacement, considering factors like the material of the service line, its age, past repairs, and cost differences can help you make an informed decision that's both cost-effective and ensures the long-term reliability of your water system. 

How to repair a broken main water line

1

Locate the Leak

First, we locate the leak, using various techniques including a camera inspection and evaluate the interior condition of the pipe.  As we work through this process, we’re attempting to gather the information that will help you make the best decision on whether water line repair is a better route than main water line replacement.

2

Water Line Repair or Full Replacement Decision

We then determine, based on the location, whether the repair responsibility is with the water utility of the property owner.  Once we know what we’re dealing with, we’ll provide you with the information to make the best decision, given all the factors with your property.


3

Dig to Leak

If we determine a main water line repair is the best route, we pull permits, mark utility lines, then manually dig a ditch in the immediate area of the leak, taking care to minimize damage to your landscaping and avoiding other buried utility lines.

4

Cut out and Replace Damaged Pipe

We’ll replace the damaged section of pipe and ensure a durable repair. Depending on the existing underground pipe material, copper vs PVC vs PEX vs galvanized steel vs cast iron, we use different techniques for replacing the damaged water line section and ensuring the durability of the repair. 

5

Locate the Leak

Once the repair is complete, we test the repair, flush your system, get the repair inspected, and reinstate the area of the ditch in as close to original condition as possible.

We ensure the original water line placement relative to the sewer line are to code (Salt Lake City Building Code requires sewer lines be a minimum of 3 feet from the culinary water line). If sewer pipes are too close to the water pipes, the water pipe will need to be relocated to bring it to code.


Our experienced team handles every aspect of the repair process, from start to finish, so you can rest easy knowing your underground water line is in good hands.


Water Line Repair Cost

Underground water line repair cost in Salt Lake City can range from $1,000 to $4,000 on average, depending on a range of factors. The total cost to repair your water main leak will depend on the extent of repairs, the accessibility of the damaged pipe, your existing pipe material and the urgency of the repair. Labor costs for underground water line repair averages $75 to $200 per hour. If the process of accessing the damaged water line is especially time consuming, due to difficult digging conditions, or obstructions in the place of the damaged section, the cost will rise towards the higher end of the range.
Water line repair cost is primarily a function of the cost of labor, and material costs are only a fairly small part of the cost, regardless of material used to repair the pipe. Water line repair costs stated in terms of linear foot of pipe are only relevant to full replacement and aren't usually meaningful in the context of a repair.

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Water Line Repair Questions - FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • Who is responsible for Main Water Line Repairs

    In most cases, property owners are responsible for water main line repairs to pipe on their private property, but can vary somewhat depending on your water utility. For all water utility districts in the Salt Lake Valley that we know of, the property owner's responsibility for the water service later extends from the structure (home or commercial building) to the water meter. The water utility district is responsible for the city water main and its connection to the water meter.


  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Water Line Repairs?

    Typically, homeowners insurance policies do not cover private water service line repairs. Homeowners insurance is intended to protect against sudden, unforeseen events. Water main line breaks due to age and normal wear and tear, poor installation, extreme freeze/thaw cycles, soil movement, tree roots or pests, are considered normal aging of the property, and are not part of standard policy coverage.

    Many insurers, including speciality insurers, offer service line coverage as an additional policy endorsement to bridge this gap. Water Main Utah offers financing for unexpected water line repairs.


Our Main Water Line Repair Process

Professional assessment

Water Main Utah can provide you a water main repair quote in an hour or less in many cases via our Instant Quote. If a site visit is required, we guarantee a response time of 4 hours or less.  Onsite, we perform a camera inspection to determine the condition of your water service lateral and identify any issues, like crack or leak location or pipe blockages. With this information we’ll propose the right repair or replacement method for your circumstances of your property. 

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Schedule Service

Once the water line problem is properly diagnosed and a plan of action agreed, we can schedule service to repair your water line. Water Main Utah will typically commence work the next work day depending on Blue Stakes utility line marking and necessary permits coming through.

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Preparation and Setup

Once we determine the best main water line replacement method, we create the necessary access to the line to complete the repair.

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Line Repair

We cut out and replace the damaged section and apply various techniques to ensure the durability of the repair.  

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Reconnection

Once the pipe has been repaired, we test the repair, flush your system, get the repair inspected, and reinstate the area of the ditch in as close to original condition as possible.  

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Commercial Trenchless Main Water Line Repair in Salt Lake City UT

Water Mains Utah specializes in providing commercial main water line repair and replacement services to commercial property owners and commercial buildings, from office and retail to industrial, warehousing/logistics hubs, and manufacturing facilities in Salt Lake City and the surrounding cities in the Salt Lake Valley and Bountiful.  We also service multifamily, condominiums and apartment complexes and HOA projects. 


Water Mains Utah is equipped to manage the unique requirements of commercial clients, including working around your operational requirements and ensuring the safety and minimized disruption of your employees, clients and tenants.



WHY US?

Why Choose Water Main Utah for Main Water Line Replacement?

We’re water main specialists


We’re trenchless water line replacement experts

We’re licensed for water main repairs

We are available 24/7 for emergencies

We manage your project from start to finish

Competitive Pricing


We offer flexible financing

Choosing Water Mains Utah for your main water line repair means opting for a team that combines expertise, advanced technology, competitive pricing, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Whether you’re a homeowner or a commercial property owner in Salt Lake City or the surrounding areas, we provide the reliable and efficient service you need. Trust Water Mains Utah to get the job done right the first time, saving you time, money, and hassle.

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We provide Main Line Repair Services in the following cities & neighborhoods in the Salt Lake City and Utah County

Salt Lake City

Sugarhouse

Avenues

Yalecrest / Harvard Yale

East Bench / St Marys

Sunnyside

Bonneville Hills

Wasatch Hollow

Capital Hill

Westpointe

Downtown

Central City

East Central

Ballpark

Fairpark

Liberty Wells


Holladay

Millcreek

Murray

Midvale

Sandy

Draper

Canyon Rim

Zions Park

Olympus Cove

Mount Olympus

Cottonwood Heights

South Salt Lake

Oakdale

Jamestown

Wildwood

Smithfield

Alta Vista

Little Cottonwood Creek


Park City

Jeremy Ranch

Summit Park

Midway

Heber

Bountiful

Centerville

Farmington

Kaysville

Layton

Syracuse

Clearfield

Ogden

Lehi

Alpine

Highland

American Fork

Orem

Provo


West Valley City

West Jordan

South Jordan

Herriman

Bluffdale

Magna

Glendale

Rose Park

Jordan Meadows

Poplar Grove

Fairpark

Taylorsville

Kearns

Oquirrh

Riverton

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