Professional Water Line Replacement for Peace of Mind

BEST LATEST ARTICLES AND BLOGS

Professional Water Line Replacement: Why You Shouldn’t Replace It Yourself

June 17, 2025

Professional Water Line Replacement: Can I Replace the Water Line Myself?

Table of Contents

Replacing a water line is no small task—but hiring a professional ensures the job is done right the first time. While some homeowners may wonder, “Can I replace the water line myself?”, the real question is whether it’s worth the risk. With over 50 years of plumbing experience, BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors delivers expert water line replacement services that prioritize safety, compliance, and long-term performance. In this article, we explore why going pro is the smart choice—and how it can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.

What Does Water Line Replacement Involve?

Your home’s main water line delivers fresh, pressurized water directly from the municipal supply. When that line fails—due to corrosion, cracks, tree roots, or shifting soil—you may experience leaks, low water pressure, or total service loss.

Replacing a water line requires:

Locating and exposing the old pipe (often buried several feet underground)
Cutting and removing damaged sections
Choosing proper materials (copper, PEX, or HDPE)
Installing new lines with secure, code-compliant connections
Backfilling and restoring the site
Coordinating inspections and permits

It’s a major undertaking with no room for error.

Want to learn more about common water line problems? Visit our Water Main Blog Series for expert insights.

Why DIY Water Line Replacement Is Risky

You Could Violate Local Plumbing Codes

Most municipalities have strict plumbing regulations. DIY attempts often fail to meet those standards. Improper work may lead to fines, denied permits, or insurance claims being denied during a future issue.

You Risk Hitting Underground Utilities

In Ontario, homeowners must call Ontario One Call before digging. But even with a utility locate, DIYers may misread the maps or damage gas, cable, or sewer lines. These errors are dangerous—and expensive.

Incorrect Materials or Connections Can Lead to Leaks

Not all piping is equal. DIY replacements may use low-grade materials or incorrect fittings. This leads to joint failure, contamination risks, or corrosion—issues that a licensed plumber can easily prevent.

Health Risks Are Real

Old water lines may contain lead or other contaminants. Disturbing them without safety measures could expose you to harmful materials. In older homes, asbestos may also be present near utility entry points.

You Could Spend More Fixing Mistakes

What seems like a cost-saving move often becomes a costly redo. By the time repairs and code corrections are made, DIY projects can exceed professional quotes.

The Benefits of Hiring BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors

Over 50 Years of Trusted Experience

BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors has been solving water main issues for Ontario homeowners for over five decades. Our deep local knowledge and proven track record make us the region’s go-to team.

We understand the unique challenges posed by clay soils, seasonal frost, and aging infrastructure in Southern Ontario.

Expert Technicians with Specialized Equipment

We use advanced diagnostic tools like leak detectors, cameras, and pressure gauges. This ensures accurate detection and minimizes disruption. Our trenchless technologies allow us to replace pipes with less digging, faster turnaround, and lower landscape damage.

Learn how trenchless water line replacement compares with traditional digging in our Water Main Series.

Fully Licensed and Insured

Our technicians are certified, insured, and trained to follow all Ontario Building Code and CSA standards. That means your project is compliant, protected, and professionally handled from start to finish.

Workmanship Warranties You Can Trust

We stand behind our work with warranties on all water line replacements. If an issue arises after installation, we fix it at no extra cost—guaranteed.

This level of assurance is not available with DIY work or unlicensed contractors.

Fast, Efficient, and Clean Service

Our crews arrive on time, complete work efficiently, and clean up thoroughly. Most water line replacements are completed in one day, depending on the length and complexity of the line.

What About the Costs?

Many homeowners wonder: “Is hiring a plumber really worth it?”

Here’s the truth: the cost of professional installation is less than the cost of fixing a DIY mistake.

A botched installation can lead to:

Basement flooding
Water damage to walls or flooring
Contaminated water supply
Mould growth from hidden leaks

Professional plumbers also help you avoid hidden fees. Our quotes are transparent, with no surprise charges or upsells.

How to Choose the Right Contractor

Not all plumbing companies are the same. When selecting a contractor, consider the following:

Years of experience: Look for a company with a long-standing reputation.
Customer reviews: See what past clients have said.
Licensing and insurance: Always verify credentials.
Warranties: Ask what’s covered and for how long.
Local knowledge: Choose a contractor who understands local soil, weather, and infrastructure.

BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors checks every box. We’re proud to be a family-run business with 50+ years of consistent service and thousands of satisfied clients. Read some of our client reviews.

What to Expect During a Professional Replacement

Here’s a step-by-step overview of what our team provides:

Initial Inspection: We assess the issue and locate the damaged water line.
Quote and Timeline: We provide a detailed estimate and schedule.
Permits and Prep: We handle permit applications and coordinate with utility companies.
Safe Digging: Our crews use safe digging practices to avoid underground hazards.
Line Replacement: We install the new line using durable, code-compliant materials.
System Testing: We pressure-test your new water line to confirm integrity.
Site Restoration: We backfill, compact the soil, and clean the area.
Final Walkthrough: We ensure you’re satisfied and explain any warranty details.

The Bottom Line: DIY Isn’t Worth the Risk

Trying to replace a water line yourself may seem cost-effective. But the technical demands, legal obligations, and health risks make it a dangerous gamble. You could end up spending far more correcting mistakes than you would have hiring a professional from the start.

With over five decades of hands-on experience, BEST Plumbing and Drainage Contractors delivers trusted, professional water line replacement. We handle every detail—from permits to installation to cleanup.

We also offer expert services for emergency repairs, trenchless replacement, and full system diagnostics.