Spring Hill PVC Water Main Repair | Plumbing Done Right
This week, I got a call to repair a leaking water main right here in my own neighborhood in Spring Hill, FL. At first, the homeowner thought the lawn crew had broken the pipe while mowing, but once I dug in, it turned out the real problem wasn’t the landscapers—it was the original plumbing installation.
And let’s just say, the work left a lot to be desired.
Key Takeaways
The main leak was caused by a PVC fitting that wasn’t glued.
The water line was buried barely an inch deep, instead of the required 12 inches.
Poor installation and corner-cutting by the original contractor caused the failure.
The Problem: An Un-Glued Fitting and Shallow Burial
When I exposed the water service line, the issue was obvious. A 1-inch PVC 90-degree elbow was sitting in place completely un-glued—no primer, no cement, nothing. It’s amazing it held water pressure as long as it did.
To make matters worse, the line was buried barely an inch beneath the dirt. Florida Plumbing Code clearly requires at least 12 inches of burial for water service lines. With such shallow coverage, any shovel, mower, or even a curious pet could have caused damage.
This wasn’t a one-off mistake. Unfortunately, it’s common for new construction plumbing crews to cut corners, especially in tract homes. Paid by the piece, speed is rewarded over quality.
Fixing the Mess
Since I was low on fittings, I made a quick supply run to Lowe’s—picked up gloves, rags, primer, cement, and a tape measure. But I always double-check my materials: Lowe’s PVC pipe wasn’t Schedule 40, so I went back to the truck for the real deal.
To prep the repair, I:
Cut back the damaged pipe.
Plugged the line with a rag to keep water out.
Cleaned and primed the pipe ends.
Applied “Rain or Shine” cement for a strong bond.
With a new Schedule 40 elbow installed, I lowered the line to the proper depth—about 12 inches. Then it was time for testing. I slowly restored water pressure, watched the meter, and confirmed: no spinning, no leaks. Repair complete.
The Repair and Testing
After everything was glued and set, the water line held tight under full pressure. I carefully backfilled the trench, leaving the customer with a system that’s now up to code and far more reliable than before.
This repair highlights the importance of doing plumbing right the first time. A little extra effort up front saves years of headaches later.
Plumbing Q&A: Common Water Line Issues in Florida
How deep should water lines be buried in Florida?
Florida Plumbing Code requires a minimum of 12 inches of cover over water service lines. Anything less leaves the pipe vulnerable to damage from landscaping, vehicles, or even temperature changes.
Why do PVC fittings leak?
Most PVC leaks come from improper installation. Skipping primer, using the wrong cement, or failing to push fittings fully into place can all cause failures. An un-glued fitting, like the one I found here in Spring Hill, is guaranteed to fail eventually.
What type of PVC pipe should be used for water service?
For pressurized water service lines, Schedule 40 PVC is recommended. Thinner, non-pressure-rated pipe may crack, warp, or fail prematurely. Always double-check your materials before installing.
Is it okay to run a 1-inch line when the meter is only 3/4-inch?
Yes, upsizing is often fine and can even reduce friction loss. But upsizing doesn’t excuse poor installation practices. The real key is using quality materials and following code.
Final Thoughts
This Spring Hill water main repair was a good reminder that cheap, rushed plumbing always costs more in the long run. At Sewer Studs, we take the time to do things right—because your home (and your water supply) deserves nothing less.
👉 Watch the full repair process on YouTube: PVC Water Main Repair in Spring Hill
