How do I Repair a Service Line Water Meter Leak?
Repairing the water service line at the meter requires gaining access to the leak. Leaks on the street side of the water meter are the responsibility of the city or county water department. Leaks on the house side are the homeowner's responsibility. Leaks from broken or cracked pipe can be solved by cutting out the damaged area and inserting a new piece of pipe, along with any necessary connectors. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn off the water at the meter. Different types of shutoff valves are used for this purpose. Use a bowl or cup to dip the water out of the hole where the meter is located.
2. Remove the dirt or mud from around the pipe and meter location with a shovel. Leave plenty of room to work with wrenches around all sides of the pipe. Turn on the water briefly to pinpoint the location of the leak. Watch for water exiting and turn off the water as soon as possible after locating the leak.
3. Disconnect the end of the pipe from the meter with the pipe wrench and pliers. Cut several inches past the break in the pipe. Measure and cut a new replacement piece of pipe.
4. Connect the old pipe to the new pipe with a straight coupler. Attach the end of the new pipe to the connector that's attached to the meter. A backflow preventer may also be connected to the meter. If so, attach the new pipe to it. The leak may be between the backflow device and the meter. If so, take it apart and determine what connection parts or fittings are broken and replace them with new parts. Do not allow any dirt or debris to get inside the open water pipe.
5. Turn on the water and check for leaks. Run the water inside the house for several minutes at all faucets to clear the air and dirt out of the water lines.
Tags: Turn water, Line Water, Line Water Meter, Meter Leak, piece pipe, pipe Turn
