Waterline Replacement Done Right — No Guesswork, No Surprises
Trenchless and open-cut waterline replacement for corroded, leaking, or failing lines. Licensed, insured, and family-owned since 1965.
Sloan Underground Construction is a licensed South Carolina contractor based in Greenville, serving the Upstate, Midlands, and Western North Carolina since 1965. We replace corroded, leaking, and failing waterlines using trenchless horizontal directional drilling — or traditional open-cut excavation when conditions require it. Most residential waterline replacements cost $1,800–$4,500 and are completed within one to two days.
When does a waterline need replacement instead of repair?
If your waterline has repeated leaks in different spots, widespread corrosion, is over 50 years old (especially galvanized or lead), or delivers persistently discolored water, repair is no longer cost-effective. Replacement means decades of reliable service — and with trenchless boring, it's done in a day or two with minimal disruption to your property.
Complete Waterline Removal and New Installation
Waterline replacement is the full removal of an existing water service line and the installation of a new pipe from the main tap to your home or building. When a waterline has failed in multiple locations, is corroded beyond repair, or is made from obsolete materials like galvanized steel or polybutylene, patching individual leaks becomes a cycle of recurring failures and emergency shutoffs.
Replacement solves the problem permanently. We pull or abandon the old line, bore or excavate a new path, and install HDPE or PEX pipe rated for 50+ years of service. The job includes excavation or directional boring, new pipe installation, connection at both ends, pressure testing, backfill, and site restoration.
Signs Your Waterline Needs Replacement
- Persistent low water pressure throughout the home — not just one faucet, but systemwide loss of flow
- Rust-colored, brown, or cloudy tap water — signs of corrosion inside the pipe
- Unexplained spike in water bills — often caused by a slow leak underground that you can't see
- Frequent leaks in the same line — if you've repaired two or more leaks in a year, the rest of the pipe is likely close behind
- Pipe age over 50 years — especially galvanized steel, lead, or first-generation polybutylene
- Soggy or sunken spots in your yard — even when it hasn't rained, indicating a leak feeding the soil
- Visible cracks or corrosion at exposed sections near the meter or foundation entry point
Waterline Replacement Methods We Use
Trenchless Horizontal Directional Drilling
Our default method for most residential and commercial waterline replacements. We bore a small-diameter underground path using a steerable Ditch Witch rig, then pull the new HDPE or PEX pipe through the bore hole. Small entry pit at one end, small exit pit at the other — driveways, landscaping, and hardscape remain untouched. Ideal when the existing waterline runs under pavement, mature trees, or finished landscaping.
Traditional Open-Cut Excavation
When bedrock is shallow, when the old line must be physically removed for code compliance, or when trenchless equipment cannot reach the depth or angle required, we open-cut a trench along the waterline route. The trench is excavated, the old pipe removed, the new line installed, pressure tested, and backfilled — typically in one to three days. This method gives us direct access for inspection and ensures a clean installation path.
How Long Does Waterline Replacement Take?
Most residential waterline replacements are completed in one to two days.
Trenchless installations typically finish faster — often within a single 8-hour workday when the bore path is clear and no rock is encountered. Open-cut excavations take longer, usually two to three days, because of trench excavation, bedding preparation, backfill, and surface restoration.
Larger commercial waterline replacements or long-distance runs can extend to 3–5 days depending on length, diameter, and site complexity. Every job starts with a site visit and a written timeline estimate so there are no surprises.
Waterline Replacement Across SC & Western NC
We replace waterlines across 15 Carolina cities including Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Pickens, Oconee, Laurens, Newberry, Lexington, Aiken, and Asheville, NC. If you're in the Upstate, Midlands, or Western North Carolina, we're already in your area.
View All Service Areas →Common Questions About Waterline Replacement
How much does waterline replacement cost?
Residential waterline replacements typically range from $1,800 to $4,500 installed trenchless. Factors that affect cost include line length, depth, diameter, whether the run crosses under driveways or roads, and whether the existing line must be removed or can be abandoned. Commercial waterline replacement projects scale from $6,000 to $30,000+ depending on scope. Every job starts with a free written estimate.
Do I need a permit for waterline replacement?
Permits are typically required when the waterline crosses a public right-of-way, connects to municipal water infrastructure, or runs within an easement. Most residential waterline replacements on private property do not require permits unless local code dictates otherwise. We handle all permit coordination and inspections as part of the job.
Can you replace a waterline without digging up my yard?
Yes. Our trenchless horizontal directional drilling method replaces waterlines with minimal surface disturbance. We create a small entry pit at one end and a small exit pit at the other; the new waterline is bored underground between them. Your driveway, lawn, flower beds, and hardscape remain intact. No open trench, no weeks of yard restoration.
How long does a new waterline last?
HDPE and PEX waterlines — the materials we install — have a rated service life of 50 to 100 years. Unlike galvanized steel, copper, or polybutylene, these materials resist corrosion, freeze damage, and chemical degradation. Properly installed, a new waterline is a once-in-a-lifetime replacement.
Last Updated: August 2026
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