Residential Services
Water Main Repair and Replacement
Residential and commercial buildings are connected to the municipal water supply via a water main. If the water main is leaking, due to age, root damage, or other causes, you face the risk of expensive structural or property damage. Depending on the layout and slope of your property, seeping water could result in significant damage to your foundation or basement. It can also cause soil to erode and wash away, destroying landscaping, damaging gardens and lawns, or undermining outbuildings, carports, or driveways. In a worst case scenario, you could face a combination of these problems, a hefty bill for the water main replacement or repair, and water shooting out of your front yard!
Further, If water use is metered at your home or business, even a small, slow leak is costing you money and likely to lead to bigger plumbing problems down the road. If you have a major water main leak, you are going to know pretty quickly, but a small problem can go undetected for some time. It’s always a good idea to know where your water supply line is and monitor it regularly, to catch any small problems before they become big headaches.
Here are some common signs you have a problem with your water main:
• A decrease in water pressure throughout your home
• Unusual ponding or seepage of water on your property
• Higher than normal water consumption reading on your water meter.
If you are not sure whether or not you have a water main leak, there’s a simple way to find out. Give us a call and we will explain the procedure to you.
The ParkerDean staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have and look forward to speaking with you. Our contact info is:
Ph: 604.985.7315 E: inquiries@parkerdean.ca
Two important things you should know:
How to find and turn off the municipal water shut-off valve on the outside of your property
In the event the main needs to be repaired or replaced you will need to turn off your water supply where it joins the municipal water system. If possible you should do this as soon as you know you have a leak. The shut-off valve is typically located a few feet below ground at or near your property line. Look for a 5 inch circular cover over the valve location. You will need a special water shut off valve key to turn the water main off. These are usually available from your municipality’s public works department at little or no cost to borrow. If you are unsure where to find your water shut-off valve, most municipalities will locate and mark the location for you free of charge.
Water Main Repair & Replacement continued….
Who is responsible for fixing water main leaks?
We are frequently asked where the line of responsibility is drawn between the homeowner’s property and the municipal water main serving the property. As a general rule, the water main piping from the municipality’s distribution system (up to and including the shut-off valve to your property) is the property and responsibility of the municipality to repair or replace. The piping that ties into the municipal valve and extends under your property and into your home is the homeowner’s responsibility.