Signs the service line is failing
Wet or sunken ground
A soggy patch or sinkhole in the yard between the meter and the house, with no rain or irrigation to explain it.
Pressure drop
Pressure that falls throughout the house at once, not only at one fixture.
Meter spinning
With every tap off, the meter still moves. See leak detection for how we confirm this.
Discolored water
Brown or rusty water after a main break or repair work can point to a service line problem.
Why a service line break is urgent
A leaking service line is under full street pressure, so it can wash out soil, flood a crawlspace or driveway, and run up a bill quickly. If you hear a rush of water or the lawn is flooding, close the valve at the house, and if that does not stop it, tell us so we can bring the right tools to shut off at the meter.
Only the utility can operate its own meter valve. We tell you who to call and handle the repair on your side.
| Question | Utility's side | Your side |
|---|---|---|
| Where it ends | Up to and including the meter | From the meter to the house |
| Who repairs it | The water utility | A licensed plumber |
| Who to call first | Your utility if the break is before the meter | Us for lines after the meter |
Your water bill names your supplier. Several providers serve this part of Contra Costa County, so check your bill. Responsibility lines vary by agency, and the utility can confirm where its ownership stops.
Water pouring in the yard?
Close the house valve and call. We will tell you what else to shut off and book a visit.
Repair, replace or reroute
Locate
We trace the line and pinpoint the break or the failing section.
Choose a method
A short break can be spot repaired. A long run of old pipe is usually replaced.
Dig or pull
Open trench, or pipe bursting with small access pits when the route allows.
Test and restore
We pressure test the line, reconnect to the house and restore the area.
Older homes sometimes have galvanized steel service lines that corrode inside until the flow drops. Replacing the whole line with modern pipe is often better than patching. The repiping page covers the inside of the house.
Planning around a yard or driveway
Before any digging we call 811 for underground utility marking. We also look at trees, driveways and sprinkler lines that sit on the route. Trenchless replacement can protect a driveway or patio when the old pipe route is clear.
What affects service line repair cost
We give a clear price before work starts. Factors:
Some homeowners policies offer optional service line coverage. Check before you start work.
Want your real number? Describe the job on the call and we quote it before work starts.
Service area
We repair service lines in 94523 and nearby 94517 in Clayton and 94549 in Lafayette. The Clayton page covers that area.
Service line work follows the California Plumbing Code, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and the standards of your water provider for the connection at the meter. Call 811 before any digging.
Common questions
Yes. The line is open 24/7. Close the shutoff at the house and call, and we will arrange the earliest visit.
Watch the meter with all taps off. If it moves, the leak is on your side. A leak before the meter belongs to the utility.
Generally the owner is responsible from the meter to the house. Your water utility can confirm where its ownership stops.
Sometimes. Pipe bursting needs only small access pits when the old route allows it.
Corrosion, ground movement, tree roots and age. Old galvanized pipe is a frequent culprit.
Yes, for part of the day. We tell you the timing before we start.
Still have a question about your situation? Call (855) 575-2890 any hour and describe what you are seeing.