Knowing whom to call with a plumbing issue, especially when you have to decide when to call a plumber vs water utility company, can be a bit tricky. A lot of what makes a difference has to do with where the plumbing issue is located versus what caused it.
How a Home Plumbing System Works
Typically, a home has two networks for plumbing. The first one brings in the water to the home from a source feed. That source is provided by the water company or the city municipal feed. It connects to a home a junction point that essentially is the legal demarcation between the city or water company’s pipe and where the homeowner’s property begins.
It’s not always at the exact same location of the property line. For example, many times the city’s shut off valve for a home is buried in a cement box at the edge of the front lawn before the sidewalk begins.
The second network is the drain system. This also runs from every sink and tub to a main drain piping from the house and eventually to the city sewer system. This too has a separation between the part of the main sewer line that the homeowner owns and the section that belongs to the city. Knowing where the two begin and end is critical when it comes time for a repair and who has to pay for it.
Which Plumbing Problems Trigger Property Issues?
Generally, plumbing problems that involve the main line are going to be the ones that get into the gray area of who is responsible. These are almost always buried underground and, sometimes, under a foundation. They are expensive work, both for digging up as well as the repair and restoring everything afterward.
So, where the responsibility does accurately belong to the city or a water company, it’s important to hold them responsible. Otherwise, the homeowner could end up paying for a repair cost that’s unnecessary.
Which Plumbing Problems Trigger Property Issues?
Generally, plumbing problems that involve the main line are going to be the ones that get into the gray area of who is responsible. These are almost always buried underground and, sometimes, under a foundation. They are expensive work, both for digging up as well as the repair and restoring everything afterwards. So, where the responsibility does accurately belong to the city or a water company, it’s important to hold them responsible. Otherwise, the homeowner could end up paying for a repair cost that’s unnecessary.
In the case of an underground leak, certain signs are going to be present. They include puddling when it’s not raining, water draining on the driveway, areas that stay wet and muddy even when dry outside, damp floors, wet carpet, loss of strong water pressure, flooring and baseboards warping, and higher than normal water bills.
The closer the plumbing repair is to the demarcation of property, the more the issue will matter on who pays for the repair. Usually, anything that involves a municipal or water company pipe is there’s to fix. But it can fudge a bit, especially if the homeowner has made changes to the original build.
Getting Help in Confirming Responsibility
One of the best ways to confirm who is responsible for what is to have a professional plumber team come. With the right skills, the problem can be confirmed and diagnosed, and who has what part of the plumbing can be objectively identified as well. This makes it very hard for a water company or the city to argue otherwise when notified.
Where the leak or break is on the water company or city side, timing matters. They should be notified immediately. The longer it takes for a response, the more damage occurs from the escaping water. A homeowner who is aware has a responsibility to let the water provider know, so they can limit the damage from spreading.
Again, having a plumber on the diagnosis helps with speed, response and confirmation. Don’t get caught in delaying arguments. Bring in the right help for water main leaks from the start.