Who Fixes Water Main

Breaks in Utah County

When a water main break occurs, the responsibility depends on where the break in the underground water line is located.  For properties in Utah County, the water utility is responsible for repairing water main breaks from the street to the water meter.  The property owner’s responsibility covers the water line from the water meter to the property structure. 

Water Main Utah handles the entire repair process of your main water line, from permitting to completion. We pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time, in the most cost effective way possible.

Decision to Repair or Replace Main Water Line

The decision on whether to repair or replace the existing main water line will depend on the age/condition of existing underground water lines, the piping material, and the cost of the repair plus likelihood of future repairs as compared with the cost of replacement.  While many circumstances are clear-cut, for most properties, the decision to repair or replace the existing service line will depend on the property owner’s choice between short term and long term costs.  A thorough inspection of the damaged water line and the circumstances of the property is critical to making the right decision to repair or replace the line.  Water Main Utah can gather the necessary information from an on-site inspection and help you navigate the trade-offs of the decision.

In many water main break circumstances, the decision on whether to repair or replace is based on comparing the cost of replacement vs repair, and the likelihood of another repair in the near to medium term.  Proactive property owners may choose a main water line replacement, while property owners comfortable with deferred maintenance may choose a water main repair. 

At Water Main Utah, our goal is to provide you with the most complete set of facts and perspective to allow you to make the right decision for your circumstances and use of your property.  If a main water line replacement is required or the route you choose to go, Water Main Utah employs the latest technology and techniques to efficiently and cost effectively replace your main water line. 

Age of Pipe

The general expectation for the lifespan of underground water pipes is 50 years, though some continue in service for 75+ years.  But if an old pipe has a break or leak, its likely a sign the whole pipe will soon fail, or will require continuous repairs if not replaced. 

Condition of Pipe

Regardless of the age of the pipe, if it is showing advanced signs of wear, it makes sense to replace the line.  Extreme freeze/thaw cycles, tree roots and soil acidity can all cause premature aging of pipe, depending on the material 

Accessibility of the Break

Some leaks or breaks are located in places that are very difficult to access, and due the advancement of water main replacement technology, it may be cost cost effective to replace the line in these instances. 

Pipe Material

 Water lines with lead or galvanized pipe should always be replaced for health and safety reasons.  Lead pipe was used in some properties until it was banned in 1986.  Many states require replacement of lead and galvanized pipe by la

History of Repairs

Pipe that has been repaired previously that has again had a break is likely to fail again soon, and it makes the most sense to replace the line rather than to continue stacking the cost of successive repairs.