The meter is the dividing line
Water reaches a La Habra home through a public main under the street, then a service line to the meter box, usually near the curb or sidewalk. From the meter, a private line runs underground to the house. In general, the water utility handles the side up to and including the meter, and the property owner handles the line from the meter to the house.
That means the first job is figuring out which side of the meter the water is coming from. If you are not sure, call the water utility number on your bill. They can check their side and tell you if the leak is yours.
Where the water appears
| What you see | Likely side | Who to call first |
|---|---|---|
| Water in or around the meter box | Could be either; often the utility side or the meter connection | The water utility |
| Water bubbling in the street or gutter | Usually the public side | The water utility or city |
| Soggy strip of lawn between the meter and the house | Usually the private line | A licensed plumber |
| Wet area near the foundation where the line enters | Private line or house shutoff | A licensed plumber |
| Sprinkler zone stays wet | Irrigation system | An irrigation repair or plumber |
What to do first
- Rule out irrigation.Turn off the sprinkler controller and the irrigation valve. If the wet area dries or the meter stops, the leak may be in the sprinklers.
- Do the meter test.With all water off inside and outside, watch the meter. If it keeps moving with the house shutoff closed, the leak is likely between the meter and the house.
- Call the utility if it is at the meter or street.Do not dig around the meter or the public line yourself.
- Call a plumber if it is on your side.Close the house shutoff if the leak is large. If the leak is before the house valve, closing it will not stop the water; the meter valve or utility may be needed.
What shapes a private line repair
- Pipe type
- Older homes may have galvanized or copper service lines
- Depth and length
- How far the line runs and how deep it is buried
- Surface
- Lawn, concrete walkway, driveway or landscaping above the line
- Repair or replace
- A spot repair or a new line from meter to house
- Permit
- Check with the city whether a permit is needed
What to ask
- Are you sure the leak is on my side of the meter?
- Is the rest of the service line in good enough shape for a spot repair?
- Will replacing the whole line avoid digging under the driveway or walkway?
- Will the line be pressure tested before it is buried?
Common questions
Will I be charged for water lost to a leak on my side?
Usually the water passes through your meter, so it shows on your bill. Some utilities have adjustment policies. Check with the city's water billing office.
Can I shut off water at the meter?
Many homeowners use a meter key in an emergency. Do not tamper with the meter itself, and call the utility if anything there is damaged.
Is a yard leak an emergency?
If water is flowing heavily, undermining a walkway or flooding toward the house, yes. A slow wet spot can usually wait for a daytime visit.
General information for La Habra, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.