Home Emergency plumbing Broken water lines
Broken water line? Shut off the main and call.
A damaged supply line can flood a yard or crawl space and cut off your water. Find the shutoff, then get a plumber on the way.
What is happening
A broken main or service line can flood a yard or crawl space, cut off water, and show up as a soggy patch, a spinning meter or a sudden drop in pressure. These lines are buried, so the damage can be bigger than it looks.
Do this right now
- Shut off water at the main valve, or at the meter if the house valve will not close
- Keep people and vehicles away from soft, sinking ground
- Watch your meter with everything off to confirm a leak
- Call 811 before any digging; do not dig on your own
- Call us, and tell us what you saw and heard
The Pyper way
How Pyper handles it
We locate the break, confirm the line material and depth, and plan the repair with utility marking and permit steps where needed. We replace the damaged section with proper pipe and fittings, test the line under pressure, and restore your water.
Shut it off
We confirm the supply is off and locate the break.
Find the damage
We pinpoint the leak along the line and assess the pipe nearby.
Repair or replace
A damaged section is replaced, and we explain whether more of the line should be.
Restore and test
We bring water back and test for leaks.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Digging near a line without knowing where utilities run, so call 811 before you dig
- Ignoring a wet patch in the yard that does not dry
- Using the water as normal when a leak is feeding a crawl space
- Waiting, because a small break can grow
Questions we hear
Who fixes a leak between the meter and my house?
The line on your side of the meter is usually the homeowner's responsibility, while the utility handles the meter and the street main. Your water utility can confirm where the line of responsibility sits.
How can I tell if I have a leak in the yard?
Look for a wet spot, a soft patch, or water bills that rise. Check your meter with all fixtures off.
Should I call before digging?
Yes. Call 811 before you dig anywhere on your property.
Guides
Step-by-step help
Leak detection and repair
How to Find a Hidden Water Leak: The Meter Test
Find a hidden water leak with the water meter test and a toilet dye test. Learn common hiding spots, what a high bill means, and when to call a plumber.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
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Burst Pipe: What to Do in the First 15 Minutes
A burst pipe is flooding your home. Shut off the main valve, handle power safely, drain the lines, document damage, and know when to call a plumber.
Arko Smygov · 5 min read
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Low Water Pressure: Causes, Tests and Fixes
Low water pressure at home? Learn the common causes, how to test pressure with a gauge, healthy ranges, and which fixes are safe to try yourself.
Mark Datskiy · 5 min read
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