Question 1

What is a main water line or "yard line"?

Accepted Answer

The main water line is the pipe that supplies potable water to your home or business from the city or utility provider’s main service line. In residential applications, this is sometimes referred to as the “yard line.”

Technically speaking, the main water line encompasses the water meter, the pipe carrying water to the structure, and all mechanical valves, joints, and connections in between. Those would be the main shut-off valve and pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if applicable.

The utility provider’s responsibility stops at the meter. Therefore, the property owner is responsible for everything past the meter. That includes any possible leaks inside the meter box at the meter connection, which is a fairly common and relatively inexpensive repair in comparison.

By code, the main water line must be at least 3/4 inches in diameter or larger. This is very dependent upon the size or square footage of the home or business and how many fixtures are to be supplied. Most residential water lines are 1 inch, but occasionally we will see 1-1/4 or 1-1/2 inch lines in larger homes. That is why the plumber will almost always ask you the size (square footage) of your home.

Question 2

How Much Damage Can a Main Water Line Leak Cause?

Accepted Answer

Water leak repairs are never welcomed. However, as a homeowner, if a significant mystery leak is in your future, the preferred one would be on the outside of your home. The obvious reason is that your risk of property damage decreases significantly if the leak appears in the yard versus under a cabinet or under the slab.

Although many interior leaks and the subsequent property damages they cause are covered by insurance—if you have the proper insurance endorsements—not everything in the “scope of work” is covered. The out-of-pocket deductible can also be significant. So, don’t panic—simply call Earl’s to get professional leak repairs as quickly and effectively as possible.

Question 3

What is My Water Line Made Of?

Accepted Answer

The most common types of water distribution pipe for main lines in the Frisco, McKinney, and Plano areas are copper pipe or PEX tubing. Most homes and businesses built between 1985 to 2015 will have a main line made of copper pipe.

Although PEX tubing arrived in the US in the mid-80s, its use did not become common until around 2015. From about 2015 to 2018 there was a good mix of both copper pipe and PEX tubing, sometimes with both types being used in the same structure. In addition, it is pretty common to have a main water line in an alternative product (discussed in more detail below) but have copper pipe throughout the house.

PEX tubing has slowly but surely started to dominate the water pipe distribution market and in houses built from 2020 on, it would be very rare to find anything other than PEX tubing on a residential job.

Why does it matter what your water line is made of? Because it affects the overall longevity of the water line, and it could also affect the cost of the repair due to various difficulties and material scarcities.

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