According to Limestone Bulverde Management, your home’s main water line is arguably the most essential part of its plumbing system because it supplies the house with fresh water. This line typically runs from the side of your building to the edge of the street before connecting to the city’s water supply pipes. The main water line is mostly underground, and your home’s water meter is connected.
Common problems in the main water line
Common issues that can impair your main water line’s ability to supply your home with water include:
Leaks
These can happen due to aging, pipe dislocation due to soil shifts or animal activity, corrosion, or excessive variations in water pressure. Leaks in the main water line will endanger your family’s health by allowing soil and other contaminants to enter the water supply.
Mineral buildup
As water passes through the main water line, it can leave behind small amounts of minerals, like calcium and potassium. This problem is worse in areas with hard water. Mineral buildup can constrict the water line, leading to leaks, water pressure issues, and termination of the water supply.
Corrosion
This is an age-related problem. It is more common in older galvanized steel pipe systems and clay pipes. The chemical composition of the soil around the water line can also influence the corrosion rate. Pipe corrosion can cause serious water quality issues.
Tree roots intrusion
This is when tree roots penetrate a water line to reach the water inside it. Depending on how it happens, this problem may or may not result in a leak. When tree roots intrude into a water line, they can block it, restricting or preventing water flow to the home.
Freeze damage
This problem only happens when a part of the main water line is exposed to cold winter air or is not buried below the frost line. If the water inside a water line freezes, it can cause the pipe to crack or even rupture. Freeze damage is a leading cause of property damage.
Who is responsible for maintaining the main water line?
Some homeowners assume that the city is responsible for maintaining and repairing their main water line. That is not correct. Although your water meter is the water company’s property, your main water line is your responsibility. The city is only responsible for that portion of the water line extending from your property’s edge into the street.
Why should you maintain your main water line?
There are many reasons to make proper maintenance of your main water line a priority:
Prevent water contamination
Regular maintenance of your water line prevents water contamination. Unless the water is discolored, smelly, or tastes funny, it is hard to know when your water supply is contaminated if you don’t maintain your water line regularly.
Ensure reliable water supply
Regular maintenance of the main water line helps to avert problems that can lead to the termination of your home’s water supply. Water supply issues are devastating when there are children or elderly folks in the house, especially if the problem happens in winter.
Protect your property
An undetected leak in your main water line can cause massive damage to your home and landscaping. Several building foundation problems are caused by a leaky main water line discharging large volumes of water into the property’s foundation.
Save money
A neglected main water line can expose you to legal liability if the problem damages your neighbor’s or the city’s property. Maintaining your water line is one of the most important ways to keep your home maintenance costs from getting out of control.
How to maintain your main water line
Doing the following tasks on a schedule will protect your main water line:
Regular Inspections
This is the bedrock of main water line maintenance. A professional plumber should do inspections at least once a year. But it is also vital for homeowners to do a superficial inspection of their main water line once every month.
Prevent tree root intrusion
Trees and shrubs should be planted a safe distance from the main water line. If trees are near the water line but you are unwilling to kill them, please look for ways to control their roots.
Winter precaution
Learning how to winterize your water pipes will help you avoid freeze damage to your main water line. This is particularly important if your home is in an area with harsh winters.
Fix problems promptly
Delays are dangerous when dealing with water-related problems in general and main water line issues. Even if you think a problem is minor, always take the precaution of getting a professional plumber to evaluate the issue.
Lastly, the quality of your main water line maintenance is a direct consequence of the experience and professionalism of your plumber. Make sure you screen the plumbing service thoroughly before you hire them.