Leaking Pipes? Cracked Yard? These Are Signs You May Need New Waterline Construction Near Burlington

Why Waterline Problems Aren’t Just a Plumbing Issue

If you’re reading this, you’re probably dealing with something frustrating—maybe your water pressure’s dropped. Maybe you’ve noticed soggy patches in your lawn. Maybe there’s a long, ugly crack creeping across your driveway that wasn’t there last year. You’re not alone.

We hear from homeowners in Burlington and nearby towns all the time who are trying to figure out what’s going on. It’s not always clear at first, but those symptoms usually point to one thing: an aging or broken waterline.

We get it. It’s stressful. Nobody plans for a waterline problem. It’s not exactly a glamorous home project, and it’s easy to ignore—until it’s not.

We’re Complete Excavation & Septic, based in Isle La Motte, Vermont. We serve Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties, and we’ve helped dozens of homeowners navigate this exact problem. We’re not a giant operation, but that’s kind of the point—we take the time to figure out what works best for you.

Let’s walk through what’s really going on with your yard—and how to fix it before it becomes a much bigger (and more expensive) mess.

Leaking Pipes: The First Sign Something’s Off

When your waterline starts leaking, the signs are often subtle—at least at first. You might notice:

• Water pressure that drops slowly over time
  

• A higher water bill, even if your usage hasn’t changed
  

• Air bubbles when you turn on your faucet
  

• Dirty or discolored water
  

These are all signs that your main waterline (the pipe running from the street to your house) could be damaged or corroded.

In older Burlington neighborhoods, many of these lines were installed decades ago. Time, weather, and shifting soil take a toll—especially with the freeze-thaw cycles we deal with here in Vermont.

Cracked Yard or Driveway? Here’s What That Might Mean

This is where things get visual.

If you’re starting to see cracks in your driveway, pavers lifting, or your lawn developing mushy spots or sinkholes, it could be more than just a surface issue.

When a waterline breaks, it can erode the soil around it. That leads to shifting ground. Cracks start to form where the foundation was once stable.

We’ve had clients in Chittenden County who thought they needed a landscaper—only to find out the issue was a pipe leaking deep underground.

Other Warning Signs Your Waterline Might Be Failing

Beyond the obvious signs, here are a few red flags that could mean waterline trouble:

• Unusual mold growth in basements or crawlspaces
  

• Sounds of running water when nothing is turned on
  

• Frost heave damage that keeps getting worse every year
  

• Low spots forming in the lawn or driveway
  

Sometimes people chase all the wrong problems before realizing it’s the waterline causing the issue. That’s why we always start by helping you rule out the basics before recommending any major construction.

What Causes Waterlines to Fail in Burlington’s Climate

Waterlines don’t last forever, especially in northern Vermont. Between cold winters, rocky soil, and aging infrastructure, it’s no surprise many waterlines in Burlington and surrounding towns are reaching the end of their lifespan.

Some of the most common causes include:

• Freeze-thaw cycles: Pipes expand and contract until they crack
  

• Soil movement: Vermont’s glacial soil shifts over time, especially after rain or snowmelt
  

• Corrosion: Old metal pipes degrade—especially galvanized steel or even copper
  

• Tree roots: We’ve seen roots wrap around pipes like a boa constrictor
  

No two yards are the same, which is why cookie-cutter solutions don’t work. We tailor our approach to your property’s layout, your soil type, and what’s actually happening underground.

Why Ignoring the Problem Can Cost You Thousands

We’re not trying to scare you—we just want to be real.

We’ve seen homeowners put this off too long, hoping it was “just a little leak.” But while you're waiting, that small leak can:

• Wash out the soil beneath your driveway or foundation
  

• Rot the joists in your crawlspace
  

• Spike your water bills
  

• Cause mold and mildew problems inside
  

By the time the real issue is uncovered, the cost of fixing it can be double or triple what it would’ve been months earlier.

Waterline Repair vs. Waterline Replacement: What’s the Difference?

If the damage is isolated and the rest of the pipe is still in good shape, a repair might be all you need. This often involves patching a short section or replacing a cracked elbow joint.

But if:

• Your pipe is more than 40–50 years old
  

• You’ve had multiple repairs in the past
  

• The pipe material is outdated or unsafe
  

…it’s probably time for a full waterline replacement. In most Burlington-area homes, this means upgrading to a modern, long-lasting pipe—usually PEX or copper, depending on the soil and usage.

How Waterline Construction Works (and What to Expect)

We get a lot of questions about what the process actually looks like. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we do:

1. Initial Inspection – We talk with you, check symptoms, and possibly bring in a camera or leak detection tool.
   

2. Planning – We lay out the route, mark utilities, and pull any necessary permits.
   

3. Excavation – This can be done with minimal yard disruption if planned right.
   

4. Installation – We install the new pipe and connect it to both the street line and your home.
   

5. Backfill and Cleanup – We grade the soil, smooth things out, and return your property as close to normal as possible.
   

Most waterline installations near Burlington take 1–3 days depending on property size and conditions.

How Much Does Waterline Construction Cost Near Burlington?

It’s the question everyone asks—and the answer depends on a few factors:

• Length of the pipe
  

• Depth (some pipes have to be buried deeper to avoid frost)
  

• Soil conditions (clay and rock slow things down)
  

• Access (tight spaces take more time and care)
  

On average, you’re looking at anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 for a full waterline replacement in Chittenden County.

We don’t like surprises any more than you do. That’s why we walk you through the costs before we start—no guessing, no pressure.

How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Waterline Job

Let’s be honest—there are a lot of contractors out there. But not all of them are going to care about your property the way you do.

Here are a few things to look for:

• Do they explain the process clearly?
  

• Will they tailor their approach to your land, your soil, your schedule?
  

• Do they have real experience with Vermont terrain?
  

• Are they insured and licensed?
  

• Do they treat your property with respect?
  

At Complete Excavation & Septic, we believe in doing it right the first time. We work with your property—not against it. We keep you informed the whole way. And we never treat your yard like just another job site.

Why Complete Excavation & Septic Takes a Custom Approach

We're not the biggest outfit in Vermont—and that’s exactly why our clients choose us. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all anything. Every home we work on gets a tailored plan, because no two waterlines are buried the same way.

We work with folks in Grand Isle, Franklin, and Chittenden Counties who just want to know someone’s listening. Someone who’ll answer the phone. Someone who’ll show up when they say they will. That’s what we do.

Don’t Wait for a Disaster to Start Fixing the Problem

If you’re seeing signs—leaks, cracks, water pressure problems—don’t wait. The longer a failing waterline sits, the more damage it causes.

You don’t have to make every decision today. But you can start by talking to someone who knows what they’re doing and actually cares about helping you get it right.

We’re Complete Excavation & Septic, and we’re here when you’re ready.

Want a custom quote or just have questions?

Give us a call or send a message. We’ll walk you through your options.