Imagine you step outside and notice water pooling in your yard for no reason. Inside, your faucets are sputtering, water pressure is down, and your toilets aren’t refilling. If this sounds familiar, there’s a good chance your main water line has broken, and it’s time to act quickly.
In Chandler, Arizona, broken water lines aren’t just inconvenient. They can damage your foundation, increase your water bill, and leave you without clean water. At Rainwater Plumbing, we help homeowners take swift action and avoid serious property damage. Here’s what you need to know when your main water line breaks.
Understanding the Type of Break
First, it’s important to figure out where the problem lies:- Municipal water main: If the break is in the city’s system – often under the street – the utility company handles it. You’ll notice your neighbors also have water issues.
- Homeowner’s main line: If the break is in the line that runs from the city meter to your house, it’s your responsibility to get it fixed. This line usually runs underground through your front yard.
Signs of a Broken Water Main
Not sure if the water line is broken? Here are some common warning signs:- Sudden drop in water pressure throughout your home
- Pooled water or damp patches in the yard when it hasn’t rained
- Discolored or cloudy tap water
- Unusual noises like gurgling or hissing in the plumbing system
- Unexpected spikes in your water bill
- Basement flooding or foundation dampness in extreme cases
What to Do Right Away
Once you suspect a main water line break, follow these steps to minimize damage and get professional help fast:1. Stop Using Water
This may sound obvious, but you should immediately stop using all water inside and outside your home. That includes:- Showers and baths
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Lawn irrigation systems
2. Turn Off Your Water Supply (If Safe to Do So)
If the break is on your property and you can safely access your main shutoff valve, go ahead and turn it off. This prevents further flooding or water waste. If you’re not sure where the shutoff is located, Rainwater Plumbing can assist you with a walkthrough of your system after repairs.3. Call a Licensed Emergency Plumber
Contact Rainwater Plumbing right away. We offer 24/7 emergency plumbing services in Chandler and understand how urgent water line breaks can be. Our trained team arrives quickly with advanced tools to inspect and isolate the damage without tearing up your entire yard. We’ll determine whether the break can be repaired or if the whole line needs replacing based on factors like pipe material, age, and damage severity.4. Don’t Try to Fix It Yourself
Main water line work requires special permits, equipment, and safety procedures. Digging without knowing the exact line location risks damaging other buried utilities. Let professionals handle it – Rainwater Plumbing is fully licensed and experienced in Arizona water line codes.5. Flush and Test After Repairs
Once your main water line is repaired or replaced, your system will need a full flush. Turn on faucets in all parts of the home to clear out air and discolored water. You may also need to run dishwashers and washing machines a few cycles to fully clear the lines.What Causes Water Line Breaks in Arizona?
Arizona’s environment poses unique challenges to underground plumbing. Common causes of water main damage include:- Corrosion: Older pipes made from outdated materials corrode faster, especially if exposed to high mineral content in local water.
- Tree roots: Roots from nearby trees can creep into small cracks, gradually breaking the pipe.
- Soil shifting: During monsoon season, excess water can shift soil and displace buried lines.
- Extreme temperatures: Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles put stress on underground pipes, causing cracks.
- Aging infrastructure: If your home is more than 20–30 years old and has never had a water line replacement, the risk increases.
Prevention and Maintenance Tips
While some breaks are unavoidable, there are ways to reduce the chances:- Schedule annual inspections: Regular checkups catch small leaks before they turn into full breaks.
- Know where your shutoff valve is: In an emergency, seconds matter.
- Avoid planting large trees near your water line: Their roots are powerful and persistent.
- Upgrade old piping: If your home still has galvanized steel or outdated materials, consider switching to longer-lasting alternatives.
Why Choose Rainwater Plumbing?
When your main water line breaks, you don’t have time to research every plumber in town. You need someone nearby, experienced, and prepared to act. Here’s what makes Rainwater Plumbing the right call for Chandler homeowners:- 24/7 Emergency Availability
- Trained Technicians with Local Experience
- Non-invasive Diagnostic Tools
- Upfront Pricing and Honest Communication
- Fully Licensed, Bonded, and Insured