Repairing your home’s main water service line costs $400 to $1,500 on average. Most homeowners spend around $950 for materials and labor to fix the water line. However, that cost varies greatly depending on the location and extent of the damage. If the repair involves digging up concrete or landscaping, costs may go much higher than average.

The home’s main water line typically runs underground from the house to the city’s main water supply line at the property’s edge.

Homeowners insurance policies typically do not cover repair to the main water line running from your house to the city’s water main. Some companies offer water line insurance plans for $40 to $100 per year. This coverage may be worth considering if your home is 50+ years old and still has the original line.

Be sure to check your homeowners insurance policy terms before buying additional water line coverage.

Fixing a broken water line takes 4 to 8 hours on average, depending on the extent of the damage and how easy it is to reach. Major repairs or repairs on deeply buried lines that require digging up the ground can take several days to complete.

A main water line lasts 40 to 70+ years on average. The water line’s lifespan depends on the material it’s made of, your local climate, and the soil conditions.

• Most copper piping lasts 50 to 100+ years.
• PEX water lines lasts up to 30 to 50 years.
• PVC pipes can last 100+ years but do not perform well in extreme temperatures.

Most cities require a permit to make changes to an existing water line or install a new water line. Small repairs to the water line may not require a permit. Check with a licensed plumber in your area or with local authorities to confirm the permit requirements in your area.

Your water service line is a vital part of your property to ensure you have a supply of fresh, potable water throughout your homse. Follow these guidelines to help you find the best water line repair service near you:

• Compare at least 3 water line repair estimates with similar details.
• Choose a licensed, insured, and bonded plumbing service with positive feedback on HomeGuide and Google.
• Avoid going with the lowest repair estimate as this may signal lack of experience or low-quality work.
• Have a detailed contract and warranty in writing before the repair work begins.
• Avoid large upfront payments and don’t pay the final bill until the repair is complete.

Asking the right questions will help you choose the best plumbing service to repair your main water service line:

• How long have you been in business in this area?
• Is the company licensed, insured, and bonded?
• What experience do you have repairing water service lines?
• How quickly can you complete the repair?
• Can you provide a list of references that I can contact?
• Based on the damage, should I repair or replace the water line?
• Does the estimate include all labor, materials, cleanup, and permitting fees?
• Will you have to dig up any of the yard to do the repair?
• Is your quote based on an hourly rate or a flat fee for this service?
• Do you offer a warranty, and what does it cover?