There are multiple reasons why you may want to replace your water service or have a new service line installed.
- Low water pressure or drop in pressure.
- High water utility bills indicating a leak.
- Service line is old and outdated.
- Installing a new irrigation system.
- Leaks on service line that have been repaired before.
- House additions adding new bathrooms/kitchens.
- Fire sprinkler system installed.
- New asphalt or concrete driveway.
- New Construction.
- Water test for lead or other contaminates.
1. Low water pressure or drop in pressure.
This can indicate that you have old, galvanized pipe that is corroded. Galvanized pipe was used mostly before 1960. If you have decreased water pressure and your meter does not indicate a leak, you most likely have galvanized water line full of corrosion. With the corrosion the pipe narrows on the inside reducing water pressure. Galvanized pipe can also carry heavy metals into the water like lead and cadmium. It is best to replace this pipe material before further issues arise.
2. High water bills.
If you have higher water bills than normal, you could have a leak on your service line. First thing to do is try to isolate your house from your service line. Hopefully you have a shut off at your house where your service line enters. Once you have isolated check your leak indicator on your water meter. If your leak indicator is spinning than you have a leak on your water line. Depending on the material of your service line you may be able to repair it but most likely a new line is recommended. Having a leak normally means your line is at its expiration period and fixing it will only be temporary. It is best to run a new line rather than pay for multiple fixes in the coming years.
3. Old service line
As mentioned before if your water line is old, it could be contaminating your water. It also could spring a leak at any point causing property damage and high water bills. If you know your water line is old, it is best to get it replaced to prevent further damage or health complications.
4. New irrigation system
If installing a new irrigation system, you will need to check your psi at house to determine if the system will operate functionally. Most water districts require a double check installed behind the water meter if installing an irrigation system. Some districts require a separate meter for irrigation, in which case you would need a new service line. If psi is not enough a larger size service line and meter could help.
5. Leaks on service line have been repaired before.
If you have paid to have the line repaired once and you have another leak, it is best to replace the line. By repairing you are only delaying the inevitable. You will eventually pay more for making repairs than installing a new water line.
6. House additions
By adding additions to your house, you may want to up your service size and meter. With more people using water in your house, you may notice a drop in pressure. Especially if you are adding on a second floor. The higher you go up with additions the more your water pressure will drop.
7. Fire sprinkler system
Fire sprinkler systems have to have a certain amount of flow and pressure. In most cases installing a new fire sprinkler system will require a larger service line and meter.
8. New asphalt or concrete driveway
Most people do not think of this one. When installing a new expensive driveway, you have to be aware of what runs underneath it. Having an old water service line that runs under a brand-new driveway is just asking for trouble. I have seen many new driveways torn out because the water service line broke just weeks after the driveway was installed. When installing a new service line under a driveway it is best to sleeve the line. Sleeving means installing a pipe that the water line runs through. This way if you do have a leak, you’re not tearing your driveway out to replace your water service.
9. New Construction
If building a new home or mother in-law shop, you will need a new water service line.
10. Water test for lead or other contaminates.
If your water test for high levels or lead or other contaminates it is time install a new service line. The contaminates are most likely coming from your pipes. Lead pipe was a common thing before 1980’s.