Water Service Leaks

Water leaks affect everyone; they can damage property, put public health at risk, add an increased collective cost to all tax payers, and it is a waste of a precious natural resource upon which we all rely.

Owner Responsibility

Property owners are responsible for all water pipes and appliances that extend from the Service Valve to the private property.

In most cases, the Service Valve is at the property line which is a few metres from the curb or sidewalk. The Service Valve is the property and responsibility of the District of Squamish and it is unlawful to tamper with it. If there are any concerns with District property leaks or damages, please contact the District Operations Office right away.

A water leak can cause the following issues:

• Drinking water contamination*
• It could affect the safety of the municipality’s water supply.
• Damage to the foundation of your home
• Water pooling around the foundation of your home can cause costly damage and may leak inside the basement of the house.
• Waste of natural resources
• Fresh water is a finite resource on our planet and one we all depend on. We all need to do our part to reduce needless waste.
• Increased cost for water treatment and distribution
• All drinking water in the distribution system is treated and pumped to be delivered to the end user which can add up to a cost when water is constantly leaking out of the service line. This increased demand will also expedite the need for costly upgrades to our water system.
• Reduced water pressure
• Depending on the size of your water leak, you may experience reduced water pressure inside your house.
• Home fire suppression systems may be affected
• If water flow is significantly reduced, it may decrease the effectiveness of in home fire suppression systems.

*Did you know…
If water is pooling on the ground and there is a negative pressure in the District watermain (ie. From hydrant use in the event of a fire), the contaminated water could be drawn back into the District watermain, affecting the entire neighbourhood’s drinking water. Visit our Cross Connection Control Program page to learn more.

Causes of water service leaks:

• Water pipes freezing
• Natural wear and tear (aging pipes)
• Ground movement
• Corrosion
• Improper installation

Signs of a Broken Water Line:

• Water flowing or pooling on the ground surface
• Sounds like water is running (rushing water, rumbling or hissing) when all taps and appliances are turned off
• Reduced water pressure

What to do when you have a leak

1. Call a certified contractor to confirm the source of the leak and make the repair.
2. Call the District of Squamish to shut off the water service (so the repair can be made). A necessary Water On/Off Fee ($100) will apply. Only District staff are allowed to turn the water on or off at the Service Valve.
3. Keep taps closed and turn off water tanks to prevent damage while the water service is off.
4. (This is a good time to wash all aerators, screens and water filters. Be sure to follow all manufacturer recommendations.)
5. When the repair is complete, call the District of Squamish to turn the water service back on.

Helpful Hints for hiring a contractor

• Get at least three estimates
• Ask for and check contractor references
• Contact the Better Business Bureau, or a similar agency, for a reliability report on the contractors

How is a water service leak repaired?

There are a few methods used to repair a water service:

• Service pull - Trenchless procedure that pulls a replacement water service from the house to the service valve with minimal digging. 
• Excavating - Trench excavation from The Districts’s service valve to the house. 
• Spot repair - Utilizing the hydrovac procedure (pressurized water and vacuum system to expose underground pipes) allows for repairs to a water service at the immediate leak location. 

How much do water service repairs cost?

The cost of the water service repair will vary greatly depending on the contractor, type of repair or replacement, the extent of the damage and access to the issue. These repairs aren’t typically covered by a basic homeowner’s insurance policy however it may be worth following up. In order to reduce the financial impact of unplanned repairs, you may wish to explore additional insurance options. Talk to your current home insurance provider.