Are you dealing with discolored water, reduced water pressure, and a high water bill? You might have a damaged main water line. It’s common, but when it happens, the first thing most homeowners worry about is “How long does it take to repair a water main break?”
Water main breaks can be highly inconvenient, so people wish to complete the repairs as soon as possible. You will be surprised to know that they are so normal that about 240,000 water line breaks happen yearly in the U.S.
What Is a Water Main Break?
A water main, or main water line, is an underground pipe that carries water from the local source to your home, usually running beneath sidewalks and streets. A break in the water main occurs when there’s a crack or hole in the pipe, causing water to leak out.
Due to the high pressure, water flows continuously until the break is fixed. This can lead to unsanitary water, high water bills, low pressure, and wet spots in your home, potentially causing serious property damage.
What Causes Water Mains to Burst?
Extreme cold might be the first reason you think of for a broken main water line. While it is common, there are other reasons a water line might break. Other common causes include:
- Older Pipes: Years of use can cause pipes to wear out and corrode.
- Soil Erosion: Natural erosion can shift the ground and damage pipes.
- Accidents: Homeowners or workers can accidentally damage water lines with their equipment.
What to Do After a Water Main Break?
A water main break can impact any plumbing line, fixture, or appliance. The following is what you should do:
- Run the hot water tap until the water is cold, and then do it again after one hour.
- Use your refrigerator’s water dispenser and then replace the filter.
- Run your dishwasher and washing machine through two empty cycles with water only, followed by a third cycle with detergent.
- Change the filter in your water filtration system.
Also, the following is what you shouldn’t do after a water main break:
- Don’t use discolored water for cooking, drinking, or laundry.
- Don’t run hot water taps, as sediment can get into the water heater tank.
- Don’t flush cold water through any tap with a filter.
How Long Does It Take to Repair a Main Water Line Break Outside?
Fixing a water main break can take a few hours to a few days. The time needed depends on the size and location of the break and the environment. Most water main repairs take between four to eight hours. However, if the break is deep underground or beneath another utility, it will take longer to fix.
What to Do After a Water Main Break is Fixed?
After a main water line is repaired, you might see reddish water due to iron compounds being flushed out. To clear this, run cold water for a few minutes through a tap without an aerator, like a basement washtub or an outside spigot.
Closing Note
A malfunctioning or broken water line can greatly affect your household and cause a lack of water till it is fixed. That’s why Understanding “How long does it take to repair a water main break?” can help you cope with this temporary inconvenience.
Contact Riley Owens and his team at Arid Valley Plumbing. Our seasoned team of certified plumbers provides efficient commercial, residential, and emergency plumbing services. Call us at (602) 999-4741 to book a service.