A soggy spot or a spinning meter
A wet patch in the yard with no rain, or a meter that keeps moving with every fixture off, points to a leak in the service line. We trace the line, confirm the leak, and tell you whether to repair or replace.
Water Service Line Work
Water Line Installation & Repair in Durham, NC
The service line carries water from the meter to your house. When it leaks, corrodes, or has to reach a new addition, we replace or install it in PEX or copper. You get the real price before we start.
Licensed
Bonded
Insured
Locally Owned
Water Line Installation and Repair
Water line problems we handle in Durham
Six situations behind most water line calls in Durham. If yours is not here, call and describe it.
Old galvanized service lines
Older Durham homes can still have galvanized steel from the meter. It rusts from the inside, narrows, and leaves low pressure and brown water. Replacing it is usually the better answer than chasing leaks.
Polybutylene from the 1980s and 90s
Homes built in the Triangle between 1978 and 1995 may have gray polybutylene supply piping, which fails at its fittings. We identify what you have and replace the failing run with PEX or copper.
A bad pressure reducing valve
A PRV that fails can leave pressure too high, which stresses every pipe and fixture, or too low. We test the pressure and replace the valve if it is the cause. That can save you from replacing a line that is fine.
A new line for an addition or detached building
A garage apartment, workshop, or addition needs its own supply branch. We plan the route, size the line for what it serves, and tie it in on your side of the meter.
Trenching or pulling a new line
A new line goes in an open trench along a planned route, with buried utilities located first. We explain the route, what the dig touches, and how the area is restored before you approve it.
Clear Answers
What a water line job looks like
- 1
Find and confirm the problem
We trace the line, check the meter and the pressure, and work out whether the problem is the line, the PRV, or something inside the house.
- 2
Route, material, and price
We have buried utilities located, plan the route, and recommend PEX or copper for the job. You get the price in writing before any work starts.
- 3
Install, test, and sign off
We run the line, pressure-test it, and restore the work area as agreed. We pull permits and coordinate with the City of Durham on the meter side where required.
Durham Water Service
Water lines in Durham
Durham homes get water through a meter set by the City of Durham. The line from the meter to the house is the homeowner's, and that is the part we repair or replace. Anything involving the meter itself goes through the city, so we coordinate with them and tell you which side of the meter your problem is on before you spend anything.
Durham's older in-town homes in neighborhoods like Forest Hills and Hope Valley can still have galvanized service lines, and homes built between 1978 and 1995 may have polybutylene. Clay soil swells and shrinks with the seasons and moves a buried line. Many Durham homes sit on crawlspaces or basements, and some are on slabs, so we also trace where the line enters the house, because that is where a repair has to connect. Water line permits are pulled where the city requires them.
Our shop is at 3460 Apex Pkwy in Apex, and we work Monday through Saturday, 7:00 to 18:00. Call, text, or book online. For everything else in town, see our Durham plumber page.
Durham neighborhoods we serve
- Southpoint
- Hope Valley
- Forest Hills
- Downtown Durham
- Brightleaf
- North Durham
- SW Durham
- Woodcroft
Helpful Details
Water line questions from Durham
How much does water line installation or replacement cost in Durham?
It depends on the length of the run, the material, how deep and where it goes, what has to be crossed or restored, and what permits apply. We give you the price in writing before we start. Call (919) 679-1275 and we will scope it.
Who is responsible for the water line, me or the city?
Generally the utility handles the meter and the homeowner handles the line from the meter to the house. Confirm with the City of Durham for your property. If the leak is after the meter, call us and we will find it.
How do I know if my water line is leaking?
A soggy or sunken spot in the yard, a water bill that jumps, or a meter that moves with everything off. We trace the line to confirm before we recommend a repair.
Should the new line be PEX or copper?
Either works for a service line. We recommend one based on the route, the depth, and the connection at the house, and we explain why when we price the job.
My water pressure is wrong. Is it the water line?
Maybe, but a failed pressure reducing valve or a partly closed valve causes the same problem. We test the pressure first, and we replace the PRV if that is the cause.
Do you pull permits for water line work in Durham?
Yes, where the City of Durham requires them. We confirm what the job needs when we scope it and schedule any inspection.
Related plumbing in Durham
More plumbing services in Durham
Sink Installation & Repair in Durham, NCFaucet Repair & Installation in Durham, NCShower & Bathtub Plumbing in Durham, NCWater Softener Installation & Repair in Durham, NCSewer Line Repair & Replacement in Durham, NCDrain Cleaning & Hydro Jetting in Durham, NCToilet Repair & Installation in Durham, NCPipe Leak Repair & Leak Detection in Durham, NCGarbage Disposal Installation & Repair in Durham, NCSlab Leak Repair in Durham, NCWater Heater Repair & Replacement in Durham, NC
Serving Durham and the rest of the Triangle: Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, Raleigh and Morrisville. Not sure we cover your address? Call (919) 679-1275 and ask.
4.9
600+ five-star reviews
Trusted across the Triangle
Google·Yelp·Thumbtack
“Matt was amazing! I've worked with many plumbing companies, and I will definitely contact Sweetwater Plumbing for all my plumbing needs moving forward.”
K
Keila Feracho
Verified Google review
“Sweetwater saved the day! I had an active leak from a water pipe in the ceiling. They fixed the leak promptly and did a great cleanup job.”
S
Sandy Alex
Verified Google review
“Chris arrived on time and made an assessment. A most conscientious and capable young man — the quality of his work was outstanding.”
B
Bodin Schexnayder
Verified Google review
“Great job. Punctual, professional, took time to explain the work, what my options were, and let me choose.”
K
Krista Summitt
Verified Google review
“Joseph was a great technician. He investigated the problem and walked me through every step of the way. So kind and patient.”
C
Connie Knox
Verified Google review
“I needed repair work done on short notice after a house inspection. Excellent work and great folks to work with.”
J
Jack Frankenfield
Verified Google review
ServiceTitan Online Scheduling
Book Plumbing Service Online
Choose the help you need and the scheduler will guide you through the details and available times.
Need help now? Call (919) 679-1275.