Water line and main line leaks in Stuart, FL
Wet spot in the yard or a drop in water pressure in Stuart, FL? Get matched with a licensed plumbing contractor for water line and main line leak repair.
The main water line is the pipe that carries water from the utility meter to your house. It is buried, and it is under pressure all the time. When it leaks, you may see a wet or sunken spot in the yard, a drop in water pressure or a bill you cannot explain.
Where a main line leak shows up
- A soggy patch in the yard or driveway when it has not rained
- A patch of grass that is greener or growing faster than the rest
- Low pressure at every faucet in the house
- The water meter running when everything inside is off
- The sound of water near the meter or where the line enters the house
Why lines leak
Older metal pipe corrodes. Plastic pipe can crack from shifting soil, a hard impact or poor joints. Tree roots can press on or wrap a line. Irrigation work and digging can nick it. In this part of Florida, sandy soil and a high water table can add to wear on buried pipe, although how fast that happens varies a lot.
Who owns which part
Generally the utility owns the line up to the meter, and you own the line from the meter to the house. That means a leak on the house side is usually your responsibility. If you think the leak is on the utility side of the meter, call the utility. A plumber can tell you which side you are on.
How the leak is found and fixed
A plumber will confirm the leak with a meter test and pressure test, then use listening equipment and a line locator to pinpoint it. Repairs are usually either a section replaced by digging up the line, or a new line run in a different path, sometimes using trenchless methods that need less digging. Which fits depends on the pipe, the landscaping and what is above the line, such as a driveway or a tree.
Licensing and permits
Water line work must be done by a licensed contractor, and it often needs a permit. Before anyone digs, Florida requires a call to Sunshine 811 so that buried utilities are marked. A licensed plumbing contractor will normally handle this. You can check any license on the DBPR website.
Insurance
Homeowners policies treat outdoor lines differently from policy to policy. Some cover damage that results from a sudden leak, and some offer an extra endorsement for service lines. Check your policy, and do not assume. We cannot promise coverage.
What it costs
Costs depend on the length of the line, the depth, what has to be dug up, and whether the work is open trench or trenchless. A short repair can be modest, while replacing a long line under a driveway can cost several thousand dollars or more. Get a written quote that includes restoring the surface.
If you have not found the leak, see high water bill investigation. If the leak is under the floor, see slab leak detection.
Common questions
How do I tell a main line leak from a slab leak?
A wet area outside or a meter that runs after you close the main valve at the house suggests the leak is before the house. A meter that stops when the main valve is shut, with signs inside the house, points to the house side, which can include lines under the slab.
Should I shut the water off if I suspect a leak?
If water is pooling or you cannot locate the source, shutting the main valve limits damage until a plumber arrives. Know where your main shutoff is before you need it.
Related services
We refer homeowners in Stuart, Palm City, Jensen Beach, Port Salerno, Hobe Sound, Sewall's Point, and nearby communities.