Know when it's time to replace your water main

A water main isn’t something most householders think about until something goes wrong and when it goes wrong, that can be very expensive to repair or replace. If there is a leak anywhere between the water meter and your house, it is your responsibility. Watercare is responsible up to and including the water meter.

Does Your Water Main Leak?

There are two main ways people can suspect they have a leaking water main.

The first is easy to spot. If your garden suddenly becomes wet, then there is a strong chance that your water main has a significant leak.

The second is not so easy to spot as there may be a small but continuous leak somewhere in the water pipe line. The way you will spot this is if your water bill is increasing. If there is a leak, in effect you are using and therefore being charged for more water than previously. So, pay attention to your water bills to see if there is an increase in the water consumption. If you notice an increased water bill, turn off all the taps and any other appliance that uses water, then go and look at your water meter. If the dial is still spinning, then water is being drawn from the city supply and you most likely have a water main leakage.

A Good Reason To Know The Water Main

One other common cause of damaged water mains is when people decide to build an extension to their home or undertake some major landscaping. It is too easy to damage the water main if you don’t know where the water pipes are, or what you are doing. Before you think about any major works to your home or property, get a plan of the water main from the Council. It can save you lots of time, frustration, and many thousands of dollars.

What To Do If You Suspect A Leaking Water Main

The first thing to do is to turn off the water supply at your water meter. This will stop any further consumption of water. Then next thing to do is call a qualified plumber and drain layer such as Heron. We are registered members of the Master Plumbers and Drainlayers Association which means our drain layers are trained, and qualified to work on your drainage problems.

Repairing Or Replacing A Water Main

Often it is possible for us to repair your damaged water main. If there is a small leak due to faulty sealing, then we can repair a water main. However, often damaged water mains are the result of movements in the earth, or tree roots entering and cracking the pipes. In this situation, it is usually better to have a water main replacement.

This will mean that the tree root can be removed, or the earth can be levelled again with sufficient ballast placed under the water main pipes.

Using The Best Water Main Materials And Labour

Given that replacing a water main is a big job, it makes sense to use the best materials, and hire proven drain layers. You definitely don’t want to be replacing a water main in another five years.

So buying or asking for the cheapest drainage materials is a short-cut to another expensive job down the track.

Similarly, you want to be certain that the drain laying company you hire are experienced in drain laying in west Auckland soils, and have an excellent track-record in servicing satisfied customers.

For details on west Auckland water main replacement, or replacing a water main on the North Shore, call Heron Plumbing on 09 836 4009.