Buyers GuideUpdated June 18, 2026
Low water pressure and sluggish faucets aren't rare complaints in Highwood, especially in homes built before the 1960s. Much of the housing in town still relies on original water service lines, many of which can't keep up with modern needs. Undersized lines, sometimes old galvanized steel or even lead, choke off flow to bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spigots. That leads to frustration and can even put appliances at risk. Upgrading the main water line to your house is a major investment, but for many Highwood homeowners, it's the surest way to solve chronic pressure issues and protect the plumbing for years to come.
Why Older Highwood Homes Struggle With Water Flow
Long-established neighborhoods in Highwood have a mix of Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, and Mid-Century Modern homes. Many of these houses still have their first-generation water services. These original pipes were often just ½" or ⅝" in diameter. That worked fine back when each home had one bathroom and not many water-hungry appliances.
As families added bathrooms, finished basements, or larger kitchens, the original supply lines started to fall short. Add in decades of internal pipe corrosion, and the effective opening inside can shrink even more. Galvanized pipes especially lose diameter as minerals and rust build up, leaving homeowners with shower trickles and toilets that fill slowly. Some homes in town may still have lead water lines, which should be replaced outright.
How Undersized Water Lines Affect Your Plumbing
The most obvious warning sign is low pressure at faucets or showerheads, especially when multiple fixtures run at once. Some appliances, like modern tankless water heaters, need higher flow rates to operate correctly. Insufficient supply lines can also cause:
- Long waits for hot water to reach bathrooms
- Toilet tanks that take forever to refill
- Dishwasher and washing machine delays
- Sprinkler or hose systems that barely work
- Inconsistent water temperature, especially when other taps are opened
If you notice any of these, there's a good chance your water line isn't keeping up. A licensed plumber can measure your incoming flow and pressure to confirm if the main needs to be replaced.
What's Involved in a Water Line Upgrade?
Modern codes typically call for a minimum 1" copper or approved plastic service line from the city main to your house. Upgrading means trenching from the street to your foundation, removing the old pipe, and running a new line, sometimes through tough, clay-heavy local soil. Our team evaluates the best routing to avoid existing sewer lines and to limit disruption to landscaping.
Many Highwood homes also need the main valve upgraded at the entry point, and pressure reducing valves (PRVs) installed if city pressure is above code. If you've had issues with pipe corrosion, we'll check the rest of your interior supply lines as well. More information on whole-house repiping is available if your indoor plumbing also shows signs of age.
Choosing Materials for Longevity
For most replacements, we recommend copper or high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, both approved by local codes and designed to resist corrosion. Copper lasts for decades and handles freeze-thaw cycles well, which is important with Highwood's winter ground movement. HDPE is durable and flexible for trenchless installations where possible. We always check for local utility requirements and secure any needed permits before starting the work.
It's also a good opportunity to upgrade your main shutoff valve. Having a reliable shutoff is crucial for leak repairs and emergencies.
Warning Signs It's Time to Upgrade
- Consistently low water pressure (below 40 psi is a red flag)
- Multiple fixtures losing flow at the same time
- Visible corrosion or leaks at your main shutoff or supply line
- Original galvanized or lead service pipes (common in older sections)
- Major plumbing upgrades (adding bathrooms, water heaters, or irrigation)
If your home sits in a low-lying area or near the Skokie River, ground movement may have already stressed your old service line. We also see issues with tree roots invading old lines, similar to what can happen with clay tile sewer lines.
Other Plumbing Considerations with a New Water Line
Upgrading your water service is a good time to look at the rest of your plumbing setup. This is especially true if you've had problems with basement seepage or flooding. Our crew can inspect your foundation and recommend sump pump upgrades if needed. If you plan to install a bigger water heater or multiple fixtures, our water heater team can make sure your new system is sized right. It all starts with a safe, reliable water supply.
If you're tired of weak faucets or want to make sure your home's plumbing can handle a renovation, our team can help you choose and install the right water service line. Call us at 224-524-1625 to set up an assessment and get experienced, local insight on the best options for your Highwood property.