Signs of a service line problem
- A soggy strip of grass, or damp asphalt, during a dry spell.
- A water meter that moves with every tap in the house closed.
- Falling pressure throughout the house, not just one fixture.
- Rusty water from an older galvanized or iron service.
- Damp concrete around the spot where the pipe comes through the wall.
Our guide to using your water meter to find a leak shows how to test before calling.
Whose pipe is it?
Responsibility usually divides at the property line or the curb stop. The section from the street main to the curb stop is generally the municipality's; the section from there to the house is the owner's. The City of Markham sets the exact rules and the process for any shut-off at the curb, so we check with the city when a repair approaches that boundary.
A pinhole in copper rarely stays alone. Where one opens, the pipe beside it is usually thinning too.
How we repair or replace it
- Request utility locates through Ontario One Call, which is required before digging.
- Confirm the leak position using the meter, listening and ground conditions.
- Excavate by hand near other utilities, and by machine where it is clear and safe.
- Cut out the damaged length and join new pipe with approved fittings, or replace the run to the house.
- Seal the foundation entry, restore pressure and check for leaks before backfilling.
| Old material | Typical problem |
|---|---|
| Galvanized steel | Internal rust, low flow |
| Older copper | Pinholes and joint failures |
| Early plastic | Cracking at fittings |
Inside the house
Where the service enters, we look at the meter setup and the main valve. A stiff or leaking main valve is worth replacing while the water is already off; see main shut-off valve replacement. Low pressure from other causes is covered in our pressure guide.
Keep an eye out
- Water meter spinning with every tap closed.
- Green crust or pinholes on old copper.
- Brown rings growing on drywall under a bathroom.
- Pressure dropping when two taps run together.
Markham note: village-core houses tend to hide cast iron and galvanized behind plaster, while Cornell and Box Grove builds run PEX to a manifold. We ask the year your house was built so the right fittings ride along on the truck.
Straight from the phone log
Will the lawn be dug up?
Some excavation is usually needed. Where conditions allow, trenchless methods reduce the disturbance; we discuss options after locating the fault.
How do I know if the leak is on my side?
Should the dial keep turning with every fixture idle, yet stop once the city closes the curb valve, the fault lies on your side.
Ready to get it fixed?
One call, a clear explanation, and work finished tidily before we leave.