Who to Call When Your Water Main Breaks

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are searching for who to call for a water main break, contact a licensed plumber immediately. Plumbers handle permits, follow local codes, and provide emergency service to stop flooding and restore safe water. Use this pro hiring guide to select a qualified specialist who can diagnose the break and repair or replace damaged lines correctly.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for a Water Main Break

Hiring a licensed plumber delivers fast, compliant repairs that protect your home and water supply. These pros diagnose main line failures, obtain required permits, and use specialized tools—including trenchless equipment—to minimize disruption. Many provide 24/7 emergency response to limit damage. Beyond fixing the immediate issue, they assess your system for underlying problems to help prevent future breaks and restore the area after the work is complete.

• Specialized water line diagnostics and repair expertise

• Licensed to meet local plumbing codes and regulations

• Handles permits required for main line work

• Access to pipe locators and trenchless equipment

• 24/7 emergency response to limit flooding

• Identifies root causes to prevent future breaks

• Minimizes digging and disruption during repairs

• Restores the site after final leak and flow tests

• Reduces risks of contaminated water and property damage

Can I Hire a General Contractor for a Water Main Break?

A general contractor is not the best choice for repairing a water main break because plumbing repairs require specialized skills most GCs lack. They can coordinate with plumbers, utilities, and local officials when excavation or street work is involved, especially as part of a larger project. A handyperson costs less but is not appropriate for this job. This work demands licensing, permits, insurance, and specialized tools many handypersons do not have. If you want to ensure the repair is handled by a qualified professional, you might want to consider a plumber near you to ensure the job is done safely and up to code.

How Do Plumbers Fix Water Main Breaks?

Plumbers follow a clear process to stop water loss and restore service safely.

1. Shut off the water supply and locate the break using diagnostic tools.

2. Excavate the area around the damaged pipe in the yard or street.

3. Repair or replace the failed section; trenchless methods may reduce digging and disruption.

4. Test for proper flow and leaks, then backfill and restore the area to its previous condition.

How Much Does Fixing a Water Main Break Cost?

Repairing a water main break ranges from $350 to $1,700, with an average of about $1,025. Costs depend on the specific repair: leaky valve fixes run $150 to $700, and valve replacements cost $150 to $300. Pipe damage varies widely: cracked pipes cost $500 to $1,000, broken pipes $500 to $5,000, and corroded pipes $600 to $5,000 due to full replacement. Severity, complexity, and location drive the final price.