When confronting a leak in your water main valve, the initial step involves identifying the pipe material to which your valve is connected, as well as assessing the age and condition of your existing service line. Notably, in the event your water main consists of galvanized or lead piping, you will be required to replace the entire water main. Specifically, within New York City, conducting repairs on water lines made of lead or galvanized material is prohibited by law.
For water mains that appear aged or in deteriorating condition, contemplating an upgrade in the main’s size is advisable. Opting into a water main replacement may make sense at the current time, considering the potential escalation in costs over time should the main eventually fail. Evaluating the benefits against the drawbacks of such an investment is crucial.
When the task at hand is solely the replacement of a leaking valve, the procedure begins with stopping the water flow from the municipal supply. This can be achieved through two primary methods. The first involves excavating the street to access the city main and shutting off the tap valve connection, thus ceasing the water flow and enabling the safe removal and replacement of the old valve.
Alternatively, utilizing a curb valve is a possibility, though it comes with its own set of risks. For older pipes, the likelihood of a non-functional curb valve is significant, potentially resulting in the valve becoming jammed in the closed position and cutting off water supply to the residence. Another risk is the possibility of mishandling the valve by someone unfamiliar with its operation, leading to the valve breaking and causing an additional problem.
Facing challenges with your main control valve necessitates a thorough discussion of potential complications that may arise, as solutions may not always be straightforward. Furthermore, securing the services of a licensed and insured plumber is imperative to ensure the repair work adheres to code requirements.
