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When the car repair tech says that the master cylinder has failed, people tend to panic. The same response usually pops up whenever a homeowner hears the term “water main break.” Water main problems are rare but when they happen, they usually happen big. Sometimes water main breaks can be repaired successfully, depending on the cause. All About Water Mains A home’s water main refers to the supply line that connects the house to the municipal water line in the street or alley—or to the well head, if you have well water. The main line connects the home to the water supply, using a valve—the water main shut off valve—as a means for the homeowner to turn water flow to the home on or off. If you have city water, a city-controlled shut-off valve, known as a corporation stop, or corp stop, is typically located near the property line, in an in-ground box with your water meter. Water mains can be made of various materials and measure 1- to 2-inches in diameter. Water Main Maintenance The most common problems associated with residential water main lines are age, unstable soil conditions and the original material used for the piping. Cold weather, particularly freezing temperatures, is a problem in many areas of the country. Depending on the age of the pipes, your water main may be made of galvanized metal, copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) or cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). As with any building material, some are stronger, more durable and last longer than others. Your Water Main Broke… Now What? It may be obvious when your water main bursts, but it may not be noticeable if the leak is contained underground. Sometimes the only way to tell you have a problem is if your water usage spikes. Try turning your main water valve off, and check the meter to see if it’s still moving. If so, it’s a safe bet that you have a broken main line. It may be possible to repair broken water line problems, however repairing water leaks may not prevent future problems. If you have copper pipes, repairing them usually fixes the problem. Any other material may require replacement from the street to the home. The material you use for the replacement piping will depend on several factors. Copper has long been considered the best product. Many plumbers also consider PEX as a solid alternative to copper, and PEX is approved under many municipal building codes today. PEX lines must be installed below the frost line but are otherwise quite tolerant of unsupported spans, rocky soil conditions and sharp edges. The diameter of the line you need will vary depending on how many fixtures you have, whether you have an irrigation system, the elevation of the home versus the water main, the length of the run and the static water pressure at the city’s main line. Water main breaks, leaks and other problems can be complex, serious issues. Most homeowners lack the technical knowledge to troubleshoot pipe leaks or determine what type of repair is required. Contact a reputable local plumbing contractor – one that specializes in residential pipe and plumbing repair – for sound advice on your best course of action.
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