What the service line is

Water reaches your home from the city main, through the meter near the street, and then along a buried pipe to the house shutoff. That last stretch is commonly called the service line or the customer side line. In older Fullerton homes it may be original copper or galvanized steel; in some cases it has been replaced with newer material.

Generally the property owner is responsible for the pipe on their side of the meter, while the city maintains its own equipment. Confirm the dividing line for your address with the city's water utility before any work.

Signs of a service line leak

  • The meter keeps moving even when the house shutoff is closed and irrigation is off.
  • A soggy, sunken or unusually green strip running from the street toward the house.
  • Water standing in the meter box when it has not rained or been watered.
  • Lower water pressure throughout the house.
  • Water seeping through a driveway or walkway joint along the line's path.

Sorting out the outside leaks

  • IfMeter moves with the house shutoff closed and irrigation isolatedThe service line is the prime suspect.
  • IfMeter stops when the irrigation supply is shutThe leak is on the sprinkler system instead. See the sprinkler guide.
  • IfWater is bubbling up inside the meter box itselfThe issue may be at the meter or its connections. Contact the city's water utility first.
  • IfMeter moves only with the house shutoff openThe leak is inside the house. Move on to the water heater and fixture checks.

Repair options

Which option fits depends on the pipe's age and condition, the line's length and what sits on top of it.

Spot repair

  • Dig at the located leak and replace a short section
  • Makes sense when the rest of the line is in good shape
  • Smaller excavation
  • Old pipe elsewhere may leak later

Replace the line

  • New pipe from the meter to the house
  • Often chosen for old galvanized or repeatedly leaking lines
  • May use trenching or a trenchless pull method
  • Can improve pressure and reliability

Questions to ask

  1. Where exactly does my responsibility begin and the city's end?
  2. What is the current line made of, and what would you replace it with?
  3. Would you trench or use a trenchless method, and why?
  4. How will the driveway, walkway or landscaping be restored?
  5. Will this job need a city permit and inspection?

Common questions

Can a service line leak damage my foundation?

Water saturating soil near a foundation is not good for it. Locating and repairing the leak promptly reduces that risk.

Will the city fix a leak in my front yard?

It depends on which side of the meter the leak is on. Ask the city's water utility to confirm responsibility for your address.

Is it worth replacing the whole line for one leak?

If the line is old galvanized or has leaked before, replacement is often considered. A single leak in sound pipe may only need a spot repair.

General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.