The pipe nobody sees
Between the meter box near the street and the shutoff where water enters the house is a buried line, often copper or galvanized steel in older La Palma homes. In most cases the line on the house side of the meter is the property owner's responsibility, and the meter and the line to the street belong to the water provider. Confirm with the provider listed on your bill.
Older galvanized mains corrode and narrow just like the pipes inside the house, and any buried line can be damaged by roots, digging or settling soil.
Signs of a main line leak
- The meter moves with every fixture off and the house shutoff closed.
- A wet or soft strip of lawn or a puddle between the street and the house.
- Unusually green grass along a line in dry weather.
- Low pressure throughout the house with no other explanation.
- Water seeping near the foundation where the line enters.
Repair options for the main line
Spot repair
- Dig at the leak and replace the damaged section.
- Fits a single break in otherwise sound pipe.
- Less excavation for one problem.
- The rest of an old line may fail later.
Full replacement
- Replaces the whole line from meter to house.
- Can be trenched or pulled in by trenchless methods.
- Often recommended for corroded galvanized mains.
- Usually needs a permit; check with the City of La Palma.
Backflow terms
- Backflow
- Water flowing the wrong way, from a home's plumbing or irrigation back toward the public supply.
- Cross-connection
- Any link where non-drinking water could enter the drinking water system, such as a hose in a bucket of chemicals or an irrigation system.
- Backflow preventer
- A device that lets water flow only one way. Common types include atmospheric vacuum breakers, pressure vacuum breakers and reduced pressure assemblies.
- Backflow test
- A check by a certified tester that the device is working. Testing requirements are set by the water provider.
Do you need to think about backflow?
- IfYou have an automatic irrigation systemThenIt should have a backflow device; ask a plumber or irrigation contractor to confirm it is the right type.
- IfYour water provider sent a testing noticeThenFollow its instructions and deadline, and use a certified tester.
- IfYou are adding a fire sprinkler, boiler or similar systemThenAsk about backflow protection as part of the design and permit.
- IfYou only have hose bibsThenHose bib vacuum breakers are a simple, inexpensive protection.
Questions to ask
- Is the leak on my side of the meter, and how was it confirmed?
- Would you repair this section or replace the whole line, and why?
- Will the driveway, walkway or landscaping be disturbed?
- Does my irrigation system have the right backflow device?
Common questions
Who fixes a leak at the meter itself?
Leaks at the meter or on the street side are generally handled by the water provider. Call the number on your bill.
How deep is the main water line?
Depth varies by home and age. A plumber can locate and trace the line before any digging.
Do I have to test my backflow device every year?
Requirements depend on the device and the water provider. If you receive a notice, it will say what is required.
General information for La Palma, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.