Water Main or Line Install, Repair, or Replacement

Plan for water lines before they need work

Do you know where your main water shutoff valve is? Do you know how it works? Could you turn it off in two minutes or less? If you answered no to these questions, your home could suffer some serious damage if a pipe bursts or the main line breaks.

Find your water shutoff valve first. In homes with municipal water hookups, the main valve is usually close to or with the water meter. Once you've found the valve, identify its type and the tool needed to turn it off. Some valves have handles that may be turned. Others have a metal flange that require a wrench to turn. If a tool is needed, consider storing the wrench with the valve, so you don't have to look for it. It can be sealed up in a plastic zipper bag to kept moisture out. Try turning your water off for practice. If you need to turn water off in a hurry, you'll be prepared.

Problems with water mains and lines can happen in a home of any age, but certainly there is more probability if your home is older. Eventually, old lines need to be replaced.

To hire professional service that specializes in water main installation, repair, or replacement, check references, licensing, and insurance. For such a vital service, you'll want to check those references, contact the contractor's licensing board in your state, and the Better Business Bureau to make sure the contractor's licensing is valid and in good standing and that any complaints have been resolved. Go a step further and verify insurance coverage by calling the insurer and confirming that the contractor has coverage to complete the work.