Two very different leaks
Water travels from the public main in the street to your meter, and then through your own service line into the house. A leak before the meter, or at the meter itself, is generally the water provider's to repair. A leak between the meter and the house is generally on the property owner's side and a job for a licensed plumber.
In Brea, depending on your address, the meter may belong to the City of Brea's water utility or to another provider. Your water bill names it. Confirm with them exactly where their responsibility ends before you hire anyone.
Where the water is and who to contact
| Where you see water | Likely responsibility | Who to contact |
|---|---|---|
| Street or sidewalk, near the curb | Water provider | Your water provider |
| Inside the meter box, at the meter | Usually the provider | Your water provider |
| Meter box, on the house-side fitting | Can vary | Ask the provider, then a plumber if it is yours |
| Yard, between the meter and the house | Property owner | A licensed plumber |
| Next to the foundation where the line enters | Property owner | A licensed plumber |
What to do
- Close the house main.If the leak is on the house side, closing the main may not stop it, because the main is downstream of the leak. Note whether it slows.
- Watch the meter.With every fixture off, a moving leak indicator confirms water is flowing past the meter.
- Close the meter valve if needed.For a serious leak on your side, the meter valve stops everything. It may need a meter key.
- Call the right party.Provider-side leaks go to the water provider. House-side leaks go to a licensed plumber.
- Mark and photograph.Note where water surfaces and take photos, which helps whoever comes to locate the break.
Signs of a service line leak
- A patch of lawn that stays green or soggy when the rest is dry.
- Water pooling or bubbling up after no rain or irrigation.
- A meter leak indicator that moves with everything off.
- A sudden rise in the water bill.
- Lower pressure throughout the house.
Repair options for a service line
Spot repair
- Dig at the leak and replace the damaged section.
- Practical when the rest of the line is in good shape.
- Disturbs landscaping only at that spot.
Line replacement
- Replace the whole line from the meter to the house.
- Often considered for old galvanized lines or repeat leaks.
- May be possible with limited trenching; ask about methods.
Questions to ask
- Is this leak on my side of the meter or the provider's?
- What is my service line made of?
- Is a spot repair enough, or should the whole line be replaced?
- Does this need a permit from the City of Brea?
- What is your CSLB license number?
Common questions
- Who pays for a leak at the meter?
- Leaks on the provider's side are generally repaired by the provider. Confirm with your water provider for your address.
- Can a yard leak wait until morning?
- A small seep usually can, especially with the meter valve closed. A line spraying or washing out soil should be shut off right away.
- Will a leak raise my water bill?
- Yes, a continuous leak is metered. Ask your provider whether they have any leak adjustment process.
General information for Brea, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.