Whether you need to replace your water main line or just a few supply lines in the home, you likely have some questions. The following can help answer some of them.

Who Is Responsible for Permitting the Project?

It's generally accepted that the water line replacement contractor will handle the legal side of the work, which means that they will secure permits and schedule any necessary permit inspections for the repair. There are some cases, though, where the homeowner may need to participate in the permitting or inspection process. Often this requires little more than a signature on the paperwork, but your contractor may also require that you be present for any required inspections.

How Long Will the Water Be Off?

Water main replacements are quick, typically being completed in a day. This means you only have to plan for a single day without water in your home, which makes it much easier to plan cooking and bathing around the water outage. The work itself may progress over two days, as it may take time to prep the property for pipe replacement or clean the site after replacement. If you are having water lines in the house replaced, the work may take a week or longer, depending on the size of the project. In this case, your contractor will work in sections so that the water won't be shut down to the whole house for long periods of time.

What Type of Pipe Will Be Used?

There are several options for water lines. Common materials are copper, PVC plastics, or clay/concrete. The type of material used depends on several factors. Budget may dictate choices to some extent, but the local water quality, soil structure, and municipal codes will also determine your options. This is because some pipe materials are more likely to be affected by the water quality, such as in regions with heavy chlorination, or certain materials may be more prone to damage in the event you have certain types of soil structure. Your contractor will talk you through the material options so you can pick the best pipe for your needs.

What Steps Will Be Taken to Protect My Property?

Most water line replacement contractors will take great pains to protect your property. This means carefully cutting and removing sod so it can be replaced in the event that you need to put in a new water main, for example. For line replacements in the home, the crew should use plastic sheeting to protect flooring and furnishings from dust and debris. Repairs to the areas where wallboard must be removed for pipe access should also be completed at the end of the work.

Contact a water line replacement service to learn more.