Water Main Breaks

A water main break isn’t just inconvenient. It can disrupt your home, your neighborhood, and your peace of mind. Have you noticed flooding in your yard, low water pressure, or a sudden spike in your water bill? These are signs of a damaged underground water main.

At Arnold & Sons Plumbing, we provide residents of Peoria, Normal, and the surrounding communities with expert water main repair services. We always respond as quickly as possible, because every minute counts when water is leaking underground.

What Causes Water Main Breaks?

Water main breaks can happen for a variety of reasons, but they almost always lead to costly damage. Understanding the common causes can help you stay alert and act quickly before problems escalate.

Some of the most common causes of water main breaks include:

• Ground shifts due to temperature swings or soil erosion

• Freezing and thawing cycles in winter that expand and contract pipes

• Tree root intrusion into underground piping systems

• Corroded or aging pipes, particularly in older homes and neighborhoods

• Poor initial installation or failure of outdated pipe materials

In addition to these, there are lesser-known but equally serious causes that we regularly see in the field, including:

• Excavation damage from nearby construction or landscaping

• Excessive water pressure or sudden pressure spikes (known as water hammer)

• Ground settling after heavy rain, droughts, or seismic shifts

• Corrosive soil conditions that gradually weaken pipes from the outside in

Our licensed plumbers are trained to diagnose the root cause of each break. This ensures their repairs are completed quickly and are designed to prevent future water main problems.

Signs You May Have a Water Main Break

Your water main is buried underground. Therefore, it isn’t always easy to identify a break. That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms and call a licensed plumber as soon as something seems off.

Here are the telltale signs of a water main break:

• Water pooling in your yard, driveway, or basement

• Sudden drop in your home’s water pressure

• Discolored or murky water coming from water fixtures

• An unexplained increase in your water bill

• Unusual hissing or rushing water sounds behind walls or under floors

It’s critical to act fast if you notice any of these signs. Unchecked water main breaks can cause structural damage, erosion, and contamination.

Expert Water Main Repair in Peoria & Normal, IL

At Arnold & Sons, we bring decades of experience and advanced equipment to every water main job. Whether it’s a minor leak or a full-scale rupture, we’ll isolate the issue and provide a durable, code-compliant solution.

Our water main repair services include:

• Precision leak detection and underground pipe locating

• Pipe section replacements or a full water main replacement

• Emergency dispatch and fast response times, 24 hours a day

Our plumbers work efficiently to restore service with minimal disruption to your daily life. We also communicate clearly every step of the way so you know what we’re doing and how much it will cost.

How the Water Main Repair Process Works

We believe in transparency, especially during urgent repairs. That’s why we keep you informed throughout the entire process, from the first inspection to the final water test. Every home is different, but most repairs follow a general step-by-step approach.

Here’s what you can expect when Arnold & Sons responds to a water main break:

1. Initial inspection and diagnosis: We identify that the leak is being caused by the service line supplying your home using proven diagnostic and troubleshooting methods.

2. Shut-off and isolation: We carefully close the main water valve to prevent further leakage and isolate the damaged pipe.

3. Excavation or trenchless access: We dig strategically or use trenchless methods to minimize surface disruption if possible. The method we select varies based on job specifics and feasibility.

4. Pipe repair or replacement: The damaged pipe segment is repaired or replaced using durable, code-compliant materials. We make sure the connections are pressure-rated and leak-tested.

5. System testing and restoration: We restore water flow gradually, test for leaks and pressure, and flush the system to ensure clean, safe water reaches your home.

6. Site restoration: After repairs are complete, we clean up the area. Restoring your landscaping is also an optional procedure that can be performed but requires removal of all excavated material to be hauled offsite and replaced with compactable sand or rock and 12” of topsoil to top it off.

This thorough process allows us to fix the immediate problem while protecting the integrity of your plumbing system for years to come. If we spot signs of corrosion or wear beyond the break itself, we’ll let you know so you can make informed decisions about future plumbing needs.

Learn more about general plumbing repairs at Arnold & Sons.

Normal or Peoria Water Main Break? Call the Team You Can Trust

Our local roots mean we understand the unique plumbing infrastructure in Peoria and Normal. From aging water mains in historic neighborhoods to modern underground utilities in new developments, we’ve seen (and fixed) it all.

We also stay current with local municipal codes and permitting requirements. That means:

• You don’t have to worry about inspections or approvals.

• Your repair will be compliant with city water main standards in both Peoria and Normal.

• You’ll avoid fines, delays, or unnecessary rework thanks to our proactive approach.

We believe that doing the job right the first time is the only way to do it. This is true for handling both Peoria and Normal, IL, water main breaks.

Why Choose Arnold & Sons for Water Main Repair?

When it comes to something as critical as your water main, you need a team that values your trust, your property, and your time. At Arnold & Sons, we’re proud to bring professionalism, reliability, and care to every service call.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Licensed, experienced plumbers with a reputation for doing it right the first time

• Emergency response and flexible 24-hour scheduling

• All employees are background checked and screened for your peace of mind

• Special offers and seasonal discounts

• A deep commitment to community involvement across Central Illinois

• A locally owned business built on long-term relationships—not quick fixes

• Priority service for maintenance plan members

Need help with something other than a water main? Learn more about our plumbing services.

Call Now for Trusted Water Main Repair in Peoria & Normal, IL

A water main break is an urgent plumbing issue that should not be taken lightly. Whether you need immediate help or want an expert opinion before things get worse, Arnold & Sons Plumbing is here to help.

Call us now to speak with a licensed plumber or request service online. We will work quickly to minimize damage and protect your plumbing system from future incidents.