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6 Steps to Replacing Your Main Water Supply Pipe

Plumbing deteriorates over time, no matter how much effort you put into taking care of it. The main water pipe leads from the water meter on the sidewalk to your home. Although this pipe leads from the municipal supply to your home, everything from the meter to the inside is your responsibility.

During winter, pipes become frozen and develop cracks or burst, or they may start leaking at the joints. Corrosion will form in galvanized iron pipes, which are prevalent in older homes. The pipe will eventually start leaking, and you will notice a puddle on your front lawn and an inflated water bill.

Signs You Need to Replace the Main Water Supply Line

Your main water supply line might need to be replaced if:

you notice that your water pressure is much lower than usual.
your water bill has increased dramatically.
your lawn is soggy and wet.

How to Fix Your Main Water Supply

If you are reasonably handy with tools and you have some DIY experience, you should be able to handle the repair yourself. Maybe you can even find a helpful neighbor to help out.

Step 1: Shut off the main supply

There's a shut-off right by your water meter. Always close it properly before you start on any plumbing repairs.

Step 2: Excavate

Dig a hole around the main on the sidewalk, and at the connection point to your home. This will enable you to plot the pipe's path. Now dig a trench all the way down to just below the pipe. You want enough space to work underneath the pipe.

Step 3: Measure

You will now need to work out the length of pipe you require. If you still have galvanized pipe, it is time to upgrade to 1" PVC. Alternatively, buy PVC Schedule 40 pipe. Also note any connectors and fittings you need to replace while the area is excavated.

Expert Tip: Remember to buy PVC glue and primer.

3. Insulate

Prevent freezing by wrapping your new PVC pipe in insulation tape.

4. Disconnect

Now that you are prepared, you can disconnect the old pipe at both points. Some water is likely to enter your trench and this is normal as this water is stored in the house.

5. Lay the New Pipe

Once you have removed the old pipe from both points, you can lay the new pipe in the trench. You can use PVC glue and connectors between the lengths of pipe. Once that is done, you can attach your new PVC pipe to the house using the new fittings.

6. Turn On the Mains

Before you fill in the trench, turn on the mains and check for leaks. Check all the joints and connections. If it's fine, you can fill in your trench.

Want to Replace Your Water Main But Don't Want to Dig a Trench?

Let's face it - we work hard to maintain a beautiful front lawn or walk way. The last thing you feel like doing is to dig up a the sidewalk or messing up your beautiful garden.

Anta Plumbing can replace your water main supply pipe without any of the hassle. Best of all, you get to keep your beautiful front lawn. We only make two small holes at either end of the line and use the cured-in-place pipe lining method to place a new stronger pipe inside of the broken pipe.

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Written by Anta

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