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How Much Does it Cost to Install a Water Main?

Install a Water Main Costs
Average reported costs
$1,489
based on 2,353 cost profiles
Most homeowners
spent between
$649 - $2,376
Low cost
$200
High cost
$4,000
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Water mains are one of those things that you just don't want to deal with. If your current water main is having problems, then it's likely causing major problems for you. If you're trying to install a new water main, then you want to be sure it's done right. No matter what your current predicament, you want to make sure your water main is installed correctly from the beginning. For this you'll need to contact a plumbing professional. Once you find a reputable professional, then they can help you to determine what the cost to install a water main on your property will end up being. This number may depend on a couple of factors.

Access

Any obstructions that make it difficult to reach the water main, like trees, will increase the new water line cost. The process of getting to the water main, or where a water main will need to be installed, makes up the bulk of the cost to install a water main. If you need to jackhammer through concrete, this will also increase new water line costs.

Depth

The deeper the line needs to be dug, then the higher the cost to install a water main will be. It might lower the cost to install a water main if you do this yourself or use a different kind of pro, and then bring in your plumber for the more technical plumbing work.

Location

Where you live will actually help to determine the new water line cost. PVC pipe is one of the most affordable options, for example, but cannot be used in parts of the country where freezing would be a concern from cold temperatures. In some areas copper can't be used because of corrosive elements for the soil.

Red tape

In most cases you'll need to obtain permits before you can dig for a water line. This may not directly add to the new water line cost, but it's something to be considered. You want to make sure to get that taken care of before work begins so you don't hold up any of the processes - especially if you'd still need to pay a pro while waiting to sort it out.
New water line cost depends on a lot of things, but the project is definitely one of the more technical home projects. It requires connection to a city line or a meter nearby that is connected to the city line. It's important that everything is set up correctly to maintain safety and to prevent big issues, so using a reputable plumber is worth the price.

 

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William Sexauer More than 1 year ago

Replacing my water main cost $3500. Most of the cost was the excavation for the new pipe main. Had to tunnel under a retaining wall, then hand dig the rest of the way so as not to disrupt landscape sprinkler plumbing and landscape lighting wiring. Then had to drill a new hole in the house foundation because using the original water entry would have meant tearing out quite a bit of concrete sidewalk leading up to the front porch.


Total length of run was about 30 feet and it took 3 days. Repairing the old main was not an option. The old main was a sub-standard plastic material (Quest brand polypropylene) which had been recalled and was leaking badly. New main is copper.

Maice Buckner 10 months ago
This web site was very helpful.  Once my problem has been addressed I think I will be able to comment further.  At this time I don't know what this project is going to cost me.
Anonymous More than 1 year ago
new line install from water meter to house under driveway
Terri Perkins More than 1 year ago
This was a repair under the road. not an install

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