Underground Plumbing and Floods

It is normal to confuse the terms water line or water service line and water-main as they sound similar. Sometimes, they are confused when referencing a broken or damaged water main in New Jersey. JB Ragonese Construction Yard takes care of plumbing and floods in Garwood, NJ, and surrounding areas. We can help lessen the confusion when it comes to your water lines.

The Difference:

The water service line is the piping that carries water from the city’s water-main to the inside of the house, where the pipe connects to the meter. Outside, under the streets, the city’s water-main can be found.

In rare cases, you can find the city’s water-main under the sidewalk, but the same rules still apply under this definition.

The most confusing part is when most property owners and even licensed plumbers refer to the water-main as the building’s water service line. However, the water-main pipes are installed and maintained by your city or town. These water-main pipes include all piping used to deliver water to your water service pipe.

People also tend to be confused about the term “water distribution line,” which includes the piping on the premises from the water meter to the points that the water is used, like the shower, sink, toilets, or other plumbing fixtures located on your property.

Who is responsible for repairs?

If there is a leak in the water service line, which runs from the city’s water-main to the inside of the house, the property owner is responsible for hiring a licensed plumber to repair the water line.

It is common for a property owner to assume that the city will take care of the leak if the pipe is leaking under the sidewalk or in the roadway. However, in New Jersey, the property owner is responsible for maintaining the entire water service pipe from the house to the curb.

When is the city responsible?

The city is only responsible for maintaining the water-main line—from the curb to the street. Even if the valve that connects the homeowner’s pipe to the city pipe is leaking, the property owner is still responsible for hiring the licensed plumber and all costs associated with the new valve. In a case like this, the city is responsible for extracting the faulty tap and drilling the new valve. Still, the licensed plumber must do all of the excavating, prepare the city main, and backfill upon completion. It is essential to consult with a licensed master plumber if there is any confusion on responsibility, the source of the leak, or the process for fixing the leak.

JB Ragonese Construction Yard is a long-time New Jersey local contractor expert who repairs and replaces water lines and water-main lines. We can help you manage your water line repair quickly and at a minimum cost. We are the people to call when it comes to plumbing and floods in your area.

If you suspect that your water line or water-main is leaking or a portion of your water line has collapsed, it’s crucial to hire an experienced water line repair company. JB Ragonese Construction Yard can accurately diagnose the issue and provide the most effective and affordable water line or water-main break repair options. In addition, we have experience with plumbing and floods in Garwood, NJ, and surrounding areas. Call us at (973) 223-6307 or contact us for a free estimate.