Having a leaky water line can be taxing for Atlanta homeowners. Having prompt repairs done can mitigate the risk of water damage, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair. But what does the process look like? 

Let’s examine the steps that professional plumbers take when it comes to water line repairs, so you can have a better understanding of what to expect during each phase of the project.

#1 Finding the Damage

To fix the problem, your plumber will need to identify the source of the damage, which is often a leak within the water line. Professionals may use a variety of techniques to pinpoint the leak. Some common methods include visual inspections, pressure testing and thermal imaging. Once the leak has been found, the plumber should shut off the water supply and isolate the damage. 

#2 Prep for Repairs

Before repairs can start, crews must prep the area. During this phase, it’s not uncommon for excavation to occur, especially if the leak is underground. Additionally, the pipe will be cleaned and dried to ensure a proper seal can form during the repair process. 

#3 Fix the Damage

Using a pipe cutter, the damaged parts of the piping will be removed. The plumber will then install a new piece of piping. Depending on the material and the scope of the repair, a variety of methods can be used to connect the new pipes to the existing system.

Some of these methods include:

• Compression fittings –  A sleeve and retainer nut are used to connect the pipes. 
• Soldering – The joints of the pipes are melted together and are commonly used for copper pipes.
• Couplings – Using threaded connections, the new pipes are joined to the existing ones. 
• Epoxy/pipe wraps – Can be used to temporarily fix smaller leaks.

#4 Backfilling and Clean Up

Once the repair has been completed, your plumber will perform a final inspection. If they are satisfied, clean up can begin. During this part of the process, old materials are gathered and later discarded by crews. If excavations have occurred, they will be filled in. It’s important that the site is cleaned and that there isn’t any damage resulting from repairs. 

FAQs About Water Line Repairs

What Happens Following Clean Up?

Typically, your plumber will flush your system to remove any debris that might have entered your pipes during repairs. It’s also important that water pressure testing is done to ensure the leak has been successfully repaired and that there aren’t any lingering issues. 

How Long Do Repairs Take?

Repairs can take anywhere from several hours to days, depending on the complexity of the project. If you have a small leak that’s relatively easy to access, it’s likely that repairs will take one to four hours. 

However, if the leak requires excavation, it may take most of the day to successfully fix the damage. For extensive damage that lies deep within the ground, it could take several days for crews to finish the project. 

How Can Homeowners Prevent Water Line Leaks?

While water line damage isn’t entirely preventable, there are a couple of things that can be done to significantly reduce the need for repairs. Homeowners should keep an eye out for changes in water pressure or rises in utility bills. If you suspect something’s not right with your plumbing, it’s important to contact a plumber to reduce the risk for water damage or extensive repairs. 

Having your plumbing system routinely inspected and maintained can also help homeowners avoid water line leaks. Plumbers have the tools and training needed to quickly identify small problems before they turn into major problems, saving you time and money in the long run. 

Looking for Experienced Plumbers? Call Superior Today!

At Superior Plumbing, we provide expert plumbing and water heater services throughout Kennesaw, metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas. If you need expert water line repairs, we’ve got you covered. 

Ready to work with our team? Give us a call at 770-422-7586 and schedule a consultation. You can also get in contact with us by filling out our online form. For more information about our other services, including sewer line repairs and water heater installation, click the link here.