Water Line Spot Repairs and Replacement

Signs of a Broken Water Line

Some of the signs that you should keep an eye out for when it comes to your water line are:

• Lower than normal water pressure.  A leak or break in your water line leads to a reduction in the flow of water to your residence.  If you notice a drop in your water pressure when you’re in the shower or washing dishes, it could mean there is an issue with your water line.  While there are other causes of low water pressure, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection to determine the source of the problem.
• Buildup of water in your lawn.  Here in Washington, a buildup of water in your lawn is a common occurrence.  However, if you notice water pooling in your yard even though it hasn’t rained recently, or you find a part of your lawn that is noticeably more saturated than the surrounding soil, this could be a sign of a leak in your water line.
• Increased water bill/meter readings.  If your water usage hasn’t dramatically increased, but you notice that your water bill has gone up or your water meter is showing higher than normal readings, this is often a sign of a water line issue.

Common Causes of Water Line Issues

All drainage systems face similar issues and water line systems are no exception.  Common causes of water line issues include:

• Perforation of the water line.  If you have trees on your property, the roots can pose a problem to your water line.  The roots are attracted to the water and the nutrients it provides and grow in the direction of your water line.  In some cases, the roots can break through the outer lining of the pipe, causing a break in the line.
• Depending on the time your water line was originally installed, corrosion can be an issue.  Older water systems utilize copper piping, which can slowly corrode over the years, while others utilize concrete, which is worn down by the constant flow of water over time.
• When it comes to water lines made out of metal or the wrong type of plastic, extreme weather changes can result in cracks and breaks in the pipe.  Freezing temperatures cause the pipe to contract, while extreme hot weather causes them to expand.  Both instances can cause the pipe to warp or break as it returns to its normal shape once the weather passes.
• Normal wear and tear.  Your water line system is just like any other system and will wear down over time, but issues that arise due to this are easily prevented with regular maintenance inspections.

Repairing Your Water Line

When you hire someone to inspect and work on your water line, the general process is as follows:

• Preparation.  Before starting any work on your water line, the repair company will first ensure that the necessary permits are obtained to work on the line.  They will also check for the location of existing utility lines to ensure that they will not be affected.  Lastly, the water line will need to be turned off, either onsite at your residence or offsite with the aid of the city.
• Excavation.  Excavation of the earth surrounding the water line will be performed in order to allow inspection of the pipe.  This can typically be done with shovels rather than excavation machinery, as water lines are closer to the surface than other drainage systems.
• Inspection.  Once the water line is accessible, an inspection of the pipe will be performed to find the source of the issue.  If it’s a simple crack in the pipe, a spot repair can be done, but if it’s a more serious issue, such as a broken or ruptured pipe, the entire water line may need to be replaced.
• Testing.  Once the repair or replacement has been performed, the water line is turned back on to ensure that the issue has been resolved and no other issues are present.
• Restoration.  The soil and grass is put back into place, taking care to preserve the position of the water line and restore the original look of your yard prior to the excavation.

Contact Us Today

If you’re experiencing issues with your water line, whether they be inside your house or in your yard, give the team at All Seasons Earthworks LLC a call.  We proudly serve all of Snohomish County and are qualified to perform all of the necessary repairs and replacements your water line may require.  The first step is to schedule a consultation to determine the extent of the issue and the best course of action to resolve the problem.  Call us at 425-263-2075 or send us a message online to get started.

Family owned and operated since 2000