What is the main water line?
The main water line is the underground pipe that carries water from the public main or the meter to the house, and water line repair fixes a leak in that pipe.
The homeowner owns the water line on the house side of the curb stop or meter in most Lancaster County systems, and the water utility owns the main in the street.
What are the 6 signs of a broken water line?
The 6 signs of a broken water line are listed below, from the most common to the least common.
- Low water pressure affects every fixture at once.
- A wet, soft patch stays in the yard between the street and the house.
- The water bill rises with no change in water use.
- The water meter moves while every fixture is off.
- Dirty or rusty water comes from every tap.
- A hissing sound comes from the main shut-off valve.
Seeing one of these signs? Call a local plumber now.
Call (607) 305-8020How does a plumber replace a main water line?
A plumber uses the 5 steps below to replace a main water line.
- Locates the line and calls PA One Call to mark other utilities.
- Shuts off the water at the curb stop or meter.
- Digs a trench or pulls new pipe through with a trenchless method.
- Connects the new line at the curb stop and the main shut-off valve.
- Restores water, tests the pressure and backfills the trench.
How much does water line replacement cost in Lancaster, PA?
Water line replacement in Lancaster, PA costs $646–$2,821, with an average cost of $1,711, according to HomeAdvisor. Water line replacement costs $50–$250 per foot, and a main line leak repair costs $300–$4,000.
Typical prices for 5 water line repair and replacement jobs are shown in the table below.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Main water line replacement | $646–$2,821 |
| Average replacement | $1,711 |
| Replacement per foot | $50–$250 |
| Main line leak repair | $300–$4,000 |
| Main shut-off valve replacement | $375–$600+ |
Source: HomeAdvisor national cost data, 2025–2026. Ranges are what most homeowners pay; your plumber gives the price for your job before work starts.
Want a price for your job? Call and describe the problem to a local plumber.
Call (607) 305-8020Related plumbing problems and next steps
When is a water line repair problem an emergency?
A water line repair problem is an emergency when water bubbles up in the yard or the house loses all water. Close the main shut-off valve and call a plumber for an emergency line repair. Emergency calls for water line problems go to an emergency plumber in Lancaster County.
What services are related to water line repair and replacement?
The 3 services related to water line repair and replacement are listed below.
- Pressure reducing valve signs, steps and prices are on the pressure reducing valve in Lancaster page.
- Low water pressure plumber signs, steps and prices are on the low water pressure plumber in Lancaster page.
- Backflow testing signs, steps and prices are on the backflow testing in Lancaster page.
Frequently asked questions
Who fixes a broken water line in the yard?
A plumber fixes a broken water line on the house side of the meter or curb stop, and the water utility fixes the main in the street.
Does PA One Call need to mark utilities before a water line repair?
Yes, Pennsylvania law requires a PA One Call request before digging, and the plumber places the call before the trench work starts.
Who replaces a lead or galvanized water service line in Lancaster City?
The City of Lancaster replaces lead and galvanized water service lines under state regulatory requirements, and homeowners verify the material of the customer-owned portion in the city service line inventory, according to the City of Lancaster Bureau of Water.
How do you check what your water service line is made of?
You check what your water service line is made of at the pipe entering the basement: copper is orange-brown, galvanized steel is gray with threads, and lead is soft gray metal that scratches with a key.