If you suspect a water main leak on your property, confirm it with a meter test, work out which side of the meter it is on, limit water loss if it is severe, and have the leak located before any digging begins. Where the leak is also decides who is usually responsible for the repair.
Why water main leaks are common on private property
The service line between the street and a building is under constant pressure, and it is often hard to reach because it is buried under lawn, hardscape or a driveway. Age, corrosion, shifting soil, tree roots and the gradual failure of fittings all take a toll. Because the line is out of sight, small leaks can run for a long time before anyone notices.
Who is responsible for the leak?
Water flows from the utility main in the street, through a service connection, to the water meter and then into the property. The general rule is:
- Between the utility main and the meter: usually the water provider’s responsibility.
- From the meter to the building (the property side): usually the property owner’s responsibility, and the water lost there passes through your meter.
Arrangements vary by water provider, so if a leak appears to be at or before the meter, contact your provider. If it is on the property side, it is yours to locate and repair.
Steps to take
- Look for the signs. Pooling water, soggy lawn along the line, a higher bill, low pressure or the sound of running water. Our list of 8 signs of a water main leak explains each one.
- Run a meter test. Turn off all water use and watch the meter. If it moves, close the house shutoff valve and watch again; continued movement suggests a leak between the meter and the building.
- Limit the damage. If water is surfacing quickly or entering the building, shut off the water at the main valve. Know where your shutoff is before you need it; see how to turn off your water in an emergency.
- Call your water provider if the leak is on their side. Pooling at the meter box or in the street can be theirs to repair.
- Have the leak located before digging. Pressure testing and acoustic equipment can pinpoint where an underground line is leaking, so excavation is limited to the leak point instead of trenching the whole line.
- Plan the repair. Once the location is known, the repair can be scoped. If the line has failed in several places, replacing it may make more sense than another spot repair.
Documenting the problem
Keep copies of water bills that show the increase, note when you first noticed the signs and take photos of any damage. That record helps when talking to your water provider and is useful for your own files.
Getting help
1st Response Leak Detection locates leaks in service lines and other underground water lines across San Diego County. Learn more about high water bill detection and leak repair, or call (619) 374-8554, 24 hours a day.
