Water Line Repair
Excavation Experts — Not Plumbers Who Subcontract
Erie County's underground excavation experts for water line repair. We own our equipment, understand local freeze conditions, and restore your yard properly — not plumbers who subcontract the digging.
24/7 Emergency Water Line Service
A burst water line can't wait until Monday. We're available around the clock for urgent water line problems that threaten your home or waste water.
How much?
$1,500 - $5,000
How long?
Most water line repairs are completed in one day
Available now?
24/7 Emergency
Licensed?
Fully Licensed & Insured
Why Choose Millie Excavating?
Western New York's Excavation Specialists - Trusted by homeowners across Erie County, NY.
Is This An Emergency?
Check any items that apply. If you're experiencing an emergency, call immediately.
Do I Need Water Line Repair?
Check 2+ items to see if you need our services. Not sure? Call for a free consultation.
What Does Water Line Repair Cost?
Every water line repair is different. These estimates reflect typical ranges for Erie County projects. We provide free leak detection and detailed written quotes — you'll know the exact cost before we start digging.
Spot repair (single leak or break)
Simple repairs near the surface on the lower end
Section replacement (10-20 linear feet)
Most common repair scope for freeze damage or corrosion
Full line replacement (curb to house)
Complete new water service for deteriorated lines
Deep line repair (5+ feet)
Requires additional excavation depth and shoring
Electronic leak detection
Often credited toward repair if you proceed with us
Want an accurate quote for your specific project?
Get Your Free EstimateSigns You Need Water Line Repair
Watch for these warning signs that indicate you need professional water line repair services.
Water bill has increased significantly with no change in usage
Wet, soggy, or muddy spots in your yard between the house and street
Low water pressure throughout the house (not just one fixture)
Sound of running or hissing water when all fixtures are turned off
Water meter is spinning when no water is being used in the house
Rusty or discolored water that clears after running for several minutes
Why Hire Excavation Experts for Water Line Repair?
Most plumbers don't own excavation equipment — they subcontract the digging to someone else, adding cost and coordination delays. Here's why that matters when your water line fails:
We Own Our Excavation Equipment
When a plumber quotes water line repair, they're typically adding markup for an excavation subcontractor. We own excavators, backhoes, and trenching equipment — no middleman means better pricing and faster scheduling for your emergency.
Underground Work Is Our Specialty
Plumbers are great at what happens inside your home. But underground excavation is a different skill set. We dig water line trenches every day, in every soil condition Erie County offers. That experience translates to faster, more precise work.
Superior Yard Restoration
Plumbers focus on the pipe — the yard is secondary. For us, site restoration IS part of the job. We properly compact backfill, grade for drainage, and prepare for seeding or sod. Your yard ends up better than patched.
Faster Emergency Response
When a water line bursts, you can't wait for a plumber to find and schedule an excavation subcontractor. We have the equipment on hand and crews ready to respond — often the same day for emergencies.
Common Water Line Repair Problems We Solve
Real-world scenarios where our expertise makes the difference.
What This Work Looks Like
Real projects and real excavation — the kind of work we'll perform on your property.
Water Line Repair in Erie County, NY - drainage system installation
Freeze Damage and Burst Pipes
Erie County's harsh winters cause water lines to freeze and burst, especially where pipes run shallow or through unheated crawl spaces. A burst pipe wastes tremendous amounts of water and can flood your yard or basement. We locate the burst section, excavate carefully to access it, and replace the damaged pipe with new copper or PEX tubing. Critically, we ensure the repair is installed below the frost line (42 inches) to prevent future freeze damage.
Corrosion and Pinhole Leaks
Older galvanized steel water lines corrode from the inside out, eventually developing pinhole leaks or complete breaks. These leaks often start small but worsen quickly. Copper lines can also develop pinhole leaks from aggressive water chemistry. When we find widespread corrosion, we typically recommend replacing the entire water service rather than patching one leak - more failures will follow. New PEX or copper pipe provides decades of reliable service.
Joint Failures and Coupling Leaks
Water lines with mechanical joints (couplings, elbows, tees) can develop leaks at these connections due to ground movement, pressure fluctuations, or deteriorating gaskets. Joint leaks often show up as wet spots in your yard directly above the coupling. We excavate to expose the failed joint, cut out the damaged section, and install new pipe with modern fusion joints (for PEX) or soldered joints (for copper) that won't leak.
Tree Root and Physical Damage
Tree roots seeking moisture can crack or crush water lines, and excavation work for other utilities sometimes damages water services. These breaks cause sudden, obvious leaks with water visibly running in your yard. We locate the damaged section, carefully excavate to expose it, and replace the crushed or broken pipe. We also reroute the line if necessary to avoid future damage from the same hazard.
Why Choose Us for Water Line Repair?
Professional service backed by years of experience and the right equipment for the job.
Electronic Leak Detection
Pinpoint underground leaks without unnecessary digging
24/7 Emergency Response
Water line break? We prioritize urgent calls and respond fast
Frost-Proof Installation
Below frost line depth, proper insulation — built for WNY winters
Complete Site Restoration
Your yard restored to better than we found it, not just patched
Water Line Challenges in Western New York
Erie County's harsh winters, older housing stock, and specific soil conditions create unique water line problems. Our local experience means we know what to expect before we dig.
Freeze Damage & Frost Line
Western New York's frost line is 42 inches — water lines above this depth freeze and burst during cold snaps. Shallow water lines, especially in older homes or poorly installed replacements, are extremely vulnerable.
We install all water line repairs below the frost line with proper bedding. For existing shallow lines, we can re-route deeper or add insulation and heat trace for freeze protection.
Older Infrastructure (Pre-1960)
Many Erie County homes have original galvanized steel or lead water lines that corrode from inside, causing low pressure, rusty water, and eventual leaks. These materials are prone to failure.
We can identify pipe material during inspection. When galvanized or lead pipe is found, we recommend full replacement with modern PEX or copper that will last 50+ years.
High Water Table Areas
Properties near Lake Erie, creeks, or in low-lying areas often encounter groundwater during excavation. This saturated soil complicates digging and can affect water line installations.
We use pumps and proper shoring for wet excavations. Our experience with lakefront and flood-prone properties means we plan for water management before it becomes a problem.
Dense Clay Soil
Much of Erie County has heavy clay soil that's difficult to excavate and requires special attention during backfill. Improper backfill in clay soil leads to settling and future problems.
We use proper bedding material around water lines in clay soil and compact backfill in layers. This prevents settling that can stress and damage new pipe.
Permits & Requirements for Water Line Repair
Most water line repairs in Erie County don't require permits, but there are important requirements we handle for you.
- Dig Safely NY (811) utility marking is required before any excavation — we schedule this
- Repairs involving the curb stop or municipal connection may require coordination with Erie County Water Authority
- Full water line replacements may require plumbing permits — we advise on local requirements
- Work in the street right-of-way requires permits and traffic control — we handle this for curb repairs
- Backflow preventer installation may require inspection in some municipalities
- We provide documentation of completed repairs for your records and any future property transactions
How We Do It
Our proven 5-step process ensures quality results every time.
Water Line Repair in Erie County, NY - sewer line repair and installation
Leak Location
Find the exact location of the leak
Water Shutoff
Safely shut off water to your home
Excavation
Careful digging to access the pipe
Repair/Replace
Fix leak or replace damaged section
Testing & Restoration
Pressure test and restore property
Ready to get started?
Schedule Your ProjectWhat to Expect
Here's how the project typically goes.
Timeline
Most water line repairs are completed in one day. We locate the leak (sometimes using electronic leak detection), excavate to access the pipe, make the repair, pressure test the system, and backfill. You'll be without water for a few hours during the actual repair work. Complete water line replacement from the curb to your house typically takes 1-2 days depending on distance and access.
Disruption
Expect a trench in your yard from the leak location or from the street to your house for full replacements. The trench will be 12-18 inches wide and 4-5 feet deep. There will be piles of excavated soil, equipment noise, and temporary water shutoff during repair work. We work efficiently to minimize disruption and restore water service as quickly as possible. If the leak is under your driveway, we may need to cut and remove pavement.
Your Prep
Know the location of your main water shutoff valve (usually in the basement where the water line enters) in case you need to stop water flow before we arrive. Clear the path from the street to your house of any obstacles. If you have an emergency leak, shut off your main valve and notify us immediately. Have backup water available for drinking and essential needs during the repair. Mark any irrigation systems or other underground features in the work area.
Communication
For emergency repairs, we respond quickly and assess the situation on arrival. We explain what we find, the repair needed, and provide upfront pricing before proceeding. During the work, we keep you informed about when water will be off and back on. We notify you before pressure testing and walk you through the completed repair. After backfilling, we explain the restoration process and answer any questions about your new water line.
Professional Equipment for Water Line Repairs
Water line repair requires specialized equipment that most plumbers don't own. We have everything needed for leak detection, precision excavation, and proper site restoration.
Electronic Leak Detection
Acoustic and electromagnetic equipment pinpoints underground leaks without digging up your entire yard. We locate the exact leak position before excavating.
Finding hidden leaks, minimizing excavation, confirming repair success
Mini Excavator
Compact powerhouse that fits through 36" gates. Digs precise trenches for water line repair without destroying your entire yard.
Backyard access, tight spaces, precision trenching for water lines
Backhoe
Versatile machine for larger water line excavations. Front loader handles spoil piles while rear excavator digs the trench.
Front yard repairs, full line replacements, efficient material handling
Compaction Equipment
Plate compactors and jumping jacks ensure proper backfill compaction. Prevents settling that causes future problems.
Quality restoration, preventing sinkholes, proper yard grading
Dewatering Pumps
Submersible pumps remove groundwater from trenches. Essential for wet sites and repairs in high water table areas.
Wet conditions, high water table sites, deep trenches
When to Call for Emergency Service
These situations require immediate attention — don't wait until Monday.
Our Emergency Response
Call our emergency line any time — nights, weekends, holidays. We prioritize true emergencies and can often respond the same day. First step: shut off your main water valve to stop water loss. We'll assess the situation, provide upfront pricing, and get your water restored as quickly as possible.
Water Line Repair FAQs
Why Water Line Repair Matters
A leaking water line wastes thousands of gallons of water, costs you money on every water bill, and can cause serious foundation damage as water saturates the soil around your home. Underground leaks erode soil, creating voids that can lead to foundation settling, driveway collapse, or sinkhole formation. In winter, leaking water can freeze and cause additional damage. Prompt repair prevents water waste, protects your foundation, and eliminates the risk of a catastrophic pipe burst. Modern water line materials installed by professionals provide reliable service for 50+ years, making repair or replacement a sound investment in your home.
Water Line Repair Throughout Erie County
We provide professional water line repair services to all Erie County communities.
Related Services
We also offer these complementary excavating services.
Need Water Line Repair?
Get a free estimate for your water line repair project. We'll provide honest, upfront pricing and expert advice.
(716) 253-9275