Water line replacement is never something that you want to hear your plumber suggest. However, if there is an issue with the water main, taking action is essential to prevent any further extensive damage to the property. When replacing and installing a new water main, it must be done professionally to avoid any further complications.
Understanding All The Red Tape
In the majority of situations, it will be best to acquire the proper permits prior to digging for a water line. This may add to the cost of the process, but it is essential to make sure that all of these are taken care of before any work begins. If you fail to do this, your project may hit an abrupt halt as the proper papers and permits have not been handled, and you could be facing hefty fines and legal action.
Cracks in your water line can cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and wasted water. Water line replacement and repair should only be done by a professional contractor. Be sure to compare several quotes before deciding on a company to take care of your water line replacement.
Cost Breakdown
There are a number of factors that can impact the cost to replace a water line. Some of these factors include the following:
- Access: Any type of obstruction that makes it harder to reach the main water line, such as trees, will increase the cost. In most cases, the process of actually accessing the water main or where it needs to be installed will make up the majority of the cost for the installation. Expect to spend between $50 - $150 an hour for a registered plumber.
- Depth: Lines that have to go deeper will cost more. You will need to hire excavation machinery which only costs around $200 an hour.
- Location: Where you live can impact the cost of the water line installation. Regions where the ground freezes generally have higher replacement and repair costs. In some cases, people have reported spending as much as $70,000 on burst pipes, flood damage, and clean up. Leaks in these areas need to be addressed ASAP to avoid this scenario
- Pipe material: The actual type of pipe that is used to take the water from the water supply to the home is important. For warmer climates, where freezing is not an issue, PVC will be the most affordable option. Copper is also popular, but not ideal for areas where some elements can result in corrosion in the soil. The most commonly used material is copper piping. On an average, this will usually cost $10 - $20 per ft. For PVC expect to spend between $3 - $4 per ft.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Water Line?
Taken on a national average, the replacement cost could be $200-$700 on the low end, covering replacement of a small section of your water line. The average American homeowner spends around $1,500 on water line replacement. This would cover a reasonable length of pipe with decent accessibility.
With so many issues that can present themselves, however, some jobs can quite possibly be in the high range of $4,000 or more and would cover extensive pipe replacement, breaking through concrete slabs, as well as excavation.
All plumbing will eventually begin to leak, but a professional service will guarantee a quality water line replacement for years to come without any problems. An expert will have years of experience and knowledge to best advise you on the project.
Get In Touch With a Local Professional
When it comes to your water line, your best plan is to call on a professional. If you would like to reach out to a professional in your area for a more accurate estimate on the cost to replace a water line now, simply enter your home ZIP code in the space provided. There's no obligation to purchase, hire or sign any contracts and there are no hidden costs whatsoever.
