Not every leaking main line needs to be dug up end to end. When the rest of the pipe is in reasonable shape and the damage is limited to one joint, one fitting or one cracked length, water line repair fixes the problem spot and leaves the good pipe alone. It's usually faster, involves less digging, and costs less than a full replacement.
The key is an honest call on whether a repair will actually hold. A good repair on sound pipe can last for years. A patch on pipe that's corroding along its whole length just moves the next leak a few feet down the line. That's why every job starts with a look at the condition of the pipe, not just the leak.
What's included
- Locating the problem and checking the condition of the pipe on either side of it.
- Section repair: cutting out the damaged length and splicing in new pipe with the right couplings for the material.
- Joint and fitting repair where a connection has worked loose, cracked or corroded.
- Valve and connection work at the house end, such as a leaking main shutoff, or at the connection on your side of the meter.
- Pressure testing after the repair, then backfill of the opening.
- A clear recommendation if the pipe isn't worth repairing, with a quote for replacement instead.
Our repair process
- Talk it through. On the phone, you describe what you're seeing. If water is actively flowing, you'll be talked through shutting it off where that's safe.
- Find the exact spot. If the leak isn't obvious, it's pinpointed first with water line leak detection so the repair opening is as small as possible.
- Quote before work. You get a free quote for the repair, and for replacement too if the pipe is in poor shape, so you can compare.
- Expose and isolate. Utilities are marked, the water is shut off, and only the area around the damage is opened.
- Repair. The damaged pipe or fitting is cut out and replaced with parts that match the existing line.
- Test, then close. Water is turned back on and the repair is checked under pressure before the hole is filled.
Problems a repair usually solves
A failed joint or coupling. Joints are where most leaks start. If the pipe itself is sound, replacing the joint is often all that's needed.
Accidental damage. A fence post, sprinkler install or landscaping project can puncture a line that was otherwise fine. These are some of the best candidates for a simple section repair.
A crack from ground movement. Settling soil or heavy loads over the line can crack one length of pipe while the rest stays intact.
Leaks at the house connection. The point where the line rises out of the ground and connects to the house takes a lot of stress and is easy to reach, which makes it a common and straightforward repair.
Repair or replace? If the line has leaked more than once in recent years, is galvanized steel, or shows corrosion wherever it's exposed, replacement is often the smarter spend. Read more in water line repair vs replacement.
When to call
Call as soon as you notice a wet spot that doesn't dry out, a drop in pressure, or a water bill that jumps for no reason. Small leaks get bigger, and water running under the ground can wash out soil under paths and slabs. If water is spraying, pooling fast, or you've lost water completely, treat it as an emergency and call straight away, day or night.
Water line repair is available in Colton and nearby cities, including Grand Terrace, Loma Linda and Fontana. If the problem turns out to be a buried break you can't see, see underground water line repair.
Leak in your water line?
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Water line repair questions
How long does a water line repair take?
A simple section or joint repair is usually much quicker than a replacement, because only a small area is opened. Depth, soil, and whether concrete has to be cut all affect the time. The contractor will give you an estimate with your quote.
Will I lose water during the repair?
Yes, but only while the damaged section is cut out and replaced. The water is turned back on to test the repair before the opening is filled.
Is a repaired water line as good as new?
The repaired section is new, but the rest of the line is the age it was before. On pipe that's in good condition a repair can last for years. On old or corroded pipe, replacement is often the better choice, and you'll be told if that's the case.
Can you repair a leak at the water meter?
Leaks on your side of the meter, such as the connection to your line, can usually be repaired. The meter itself and the pipe on the street side normally belong to the water provider, so those leaks should be reported to them.