Water Line - Underground

How it Works

Water supply piping carries water to your home from a utility source, well or natural water source like a lake or river. The waterline is usually buried below the frost line to ensure that the water never freezes on its way to your home. The piping may be made of metal, rigid plastic or flexible plastic materials like polyethylene or PVC. Most areas have specific codes and requirements for buried water piping.

What Can Go Wrong?

The most common cause of failure in water supply piping systems is accidental damage while digging. Whether you’re digging for construction or landscaping, make sure you know where the waterline is buried to avoid potential damage. Call 811 for the “Call Before You Dig” hotline for more information. Above-ground water piping is prone to damage from freezing; take extra care with insulation.

Tips & Tricks

Maintenance Tips

• Underground water supply piping—when properly installed and protected—has an almost unlimited service life and requires virtually no routine maintenance.
• Disconnect and drain exterior hoses prior to the winter season to avoid freezing and damage. Consider insulated coverings for outside water faucets on the north side of a home to protect faucets and pipes from freezing and cracking.

Loss Prevention Tips

• Comply with applicable codes and standards when determining underground water piping requirements.
• Install underground water piping below the frost line to prevent freezing damage.
• Maintain a scaled drawing with the location of your piping to prevent accidental damage during any digging projects and call 811 for the “Call Before You Dig” hotline.