The usual dividing line
Fullerton runs its own water utility. In a typical arrangement, the utility owns the water main in the street, the connection from the main to the meter, and the meter itself. The homeowner is responsible for the pipe on the house side of the meter, often called the customer side or the private service line, plus everything inside the home.
That is the general pattern, not a promise for every lot. Older properties, shared driveways, corner lots and homes with unusual meter placements can differ. The only reliable answer for your address comes from the city.
At a glance
- Street main
- City water utility
- Meter and meter box
- Generally the city water utility
- Meter to house
- Often the property owner; confirm with the city
- House shutoff and interior pipes
- Property owner
- Who to call first for a meter-side leak
- City of Fullerton water utility
Where is the leak, and who do you call?
- IfWater is bubbling up inside or right beside the meter boxThenContact the city's water utility. The meter, its valve and the street-side connection are generally theirs.
- IfWater is surfacing in your yard between the meter and the houseThenThis is often on the customer side. A licensed plumber can confirm and repair it, but tell the city if you are unsure.
- IfWater is in the parkway strip near the curbThenIt could be on either side. Ask the city to check before you hire anyone to dig.
- IfThe leak is inside the houseThenThis is the homeowner's responsibility. Close the house shutoff and call a plumber.
Questions to ask the City of Fullerton
- Where exactly does your responsibility end at my address?
- Will you inspect a leak near the meter before I hire a plumber?
- How should a shutoff at the meter be requested for planned work?
- Does connecting a new service line at the meter require anything from your crew?
- Do you have any record of the service line material at my address?
Why this matters before you hire
Paying a contractor to dig up a leak that turns out to be on the utility side wastes money and can complicate the repair. Confirming ownership first keeps the work in the right hands, and it tells your plumber exactly where their scope begins at the meter connection.
Common questions
Does the city replace my private service line?
Generally the city handles its own side, and the homeowner handles the meter-to-house pipe. Ask the city whether any program or rule applies to your address.
Is the meter box on my property the city's?
The meter and box are generally the utility's even when they sit on or near your lot. Ask before altering, burying or moving them.
Who fixes a leak right at the meter connection?
It depends on which side of the meter the leak is on. Report it to the city and let them determine responsibility.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.