Water Line Repair

When your home’s water pressure drops or discolored water appears at the tap, a damaged main water line could be to blame. At John Shelton Plumbing, we provide fast, professional water line repair throughout the Alle-Kiski Valley. Our licensed plumbers use advanced diagnostic tools to locate leaks, repair breaks, and restore your water flow quickly — all while minimizing disruption to your yard, driveway, or landscaping.

Signs You May Have a Main Water Line Leak

• Unexplained high water bills even when usage hasn’t changed
• Soft, soggy spots or unexpected wet areas in the yard
• Hissing sounds near the meter or where the line enters the building
• Rusty or discolored water from multiple fixtures
• Sudden drop in water pressure throughout the home

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, shutting off the main valve and calling our team quickly can help limit damage and water loss.

Common Causes of Water Line Damage

Underground water lines face constant stress from soil movement, corrosion, and changing temperatures. Over time, these factors can lead to leaks, cracks, or even full pipe failures. Common causes include:

• Corrosion: Older galvanized or iron pipes slowly deteriorate, allowing leaks to form.
• Freezing & thawing: Cold Pennsylvania winters expand and contract the soil, stressing buried lines.
• Tree roots: Roots naturally seek moisture and can crush or puncture water lines over time.
• Ground shifting: Heavy rain, construction, or settling soil can disturb pipe alignment.

Our Water Line Repair Process

Step 1: Precise Leak Detection

Using electronic line locating and acoustic detection technology, we pinpoint leaks within inches — eliminating guesswork and unnecessary digging. This process is ideal for residential yards, driveways, and landscaped areas. When needed, we coordinate with our excavation team to plan safe, targeted access.

Step 2: Targeted Repairs or Replacement

Once the damaged area is found, we evaluate the pipe’s overall condition. Localized issues can often be repaired with sectional replacements, while older, heavily corroded lines may benefit more from a full upgrade. Our technicians install modern copper, HDPE, or PEX piping to ensure long-term reliability, improved flow, and code-compliant protection from the street to your home.

Step 3: Site Restoration & Testing

After the repair, we pressure-test your line to confirm proper operation and check for leaks. Our team restores soil, grass, or hard surfaces as neatly as possible, leaving your property tidy and safe when the job is complete.

Preventing Future Water Line Problems

• Insulate exposed or shallow lines before winter to reduce freeze risk.
• Replace older galvanized piping with modern materials during remodels.
• Install a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) to protect fixtures from excessive city pressure.
• Schedule periodic checks when you notice minor pressure changes instead of waiting for a major failure.

Why Choose John Shelton Plumbing?

• Over 40 years of trusted plumbing experience in the Alle-Kiski Valley
• Licensed and insured technicians using modern leak detection equipment
• Transparent estimates and clear communication from start to finish
• Careful coordination with water service installation and excavation when needed
• Commitment to protecting your property and ensuring full code compliance

Related Plumbing & Utility Services

• Water Service Installation – new supply lines for homes and buildings
• Pipe Thawing – safe restoration of frozen pipes
• Excavation – controlled digging for large-scale repairs