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A recent national survey conducted by GfK Roper Custom Research finds that less than 50 percent of homeowners surveyed know that they are responsible for repairs to the water line on their property. In fact, according to the report, one-third of all responding homeowners assume their local utility is responsible for the cost of a burst water line between their house and the street, when this is usually not the case. Such lack of awareness often leads to unexpected and expensive repairs for homeowners.

Typically the homeowner is responsible for the water service line from the curb or well casing all the way to the home, connecting to the water heater, sinks, showers and more, explains HomeServe, a company that offers Water Service Line Protection. Temperature changes, shifting soil or the age of the line can all cause the line to become damaged. Many times this results in a loss of water pressure or a loss of water altogether. In other instances, the effects will not be noticed until there is a spike in the water bill due to an underground leak. Repairing a water service line can cost more than $2,000.

If a water line does break, don’t panic. The following will determine the degree of the problem and how you react to it:

• The point of the leak on the water main.
• The time of day the water line break occurs.
• The severity of the water main break.
• The age and type of the existing water line.

If the water main break occurs inside the basement, a sewer trap can be opened to give immediate relief or a sump pump with a float switch can be installed until a water line repair crew arrives. Typically, if the water line break is in the front of the house or the roadway, waiting for service during normal work hours poses no danger or threat to your property. If water service is interrupted to your property, oftentimes, a temporary connection will be made to a neighbor’s house.

Companies such as HomeServe offer service plans for treating such water-line issues, which entitles you to 24/7 service. Find out the local water main servicers in your area and add their numbers to your emergency contact list.

Published with permission from RISMedia.