The underground pipes that carry water from our facility to local homes and businesses can face environmental stresses like temperature and corrosion, causing them to break.
The property owner's responsibility ends at your property line; however, EPCOR owns the water meter. Always report broken and leaking water pipes, whether on your property or on public property.
This illustration explains where the property owner's responsibility begins and ends.
Water leaks on public property
In severe cases, a water leak caused by a burst pipe may cause water to shoot from the ground at very high pressure. In other cases, you may notice pooling on the road or ground from an unknown source.
If you suspect or see a water leak, call EPCOR and provide a full description of location and leak appearance.
Water leaks on commercial, industrial, multi-residential or institutional properties
Water pipes that supply businesses, schools, multi-family or large commercial and industrial sites are larger than the water pipes that supply single family homes. When they fail, a significant amount of water can be released, typically in parking lots or near building foundations.
In this type of situation, call EPCOR to report the leak. We'll dispatch an EPCOR field crew to assess the cause of the water distribution leak.
Water leaks on residential property
A water leak on residential property can be quite severe if it's not looked after quickly. These leaks may appear as pooling of water on your lawn or driveway, or soppy wet ground with no apparent source. In other cases, you may see water coming into your home, often through basement walls.
If you suspect a water leak on your property:
- Locate your stop and waste valve (usually in the basement near the water pipe that comes into your home).
- Try to identify the location of the leak (usually near where you see the largest force or pressure of water coming out of the ground).
- Call EPCOR to report the leak.
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We'll dispatch an EPCOR field crew to assess the cause of the leak and to inform you of what needs to be done and the next steps to take.
- If you're advised by an EPCOR Water employee that the leak is located on private property, a plumbing contractor can help you fix the problem.
Water leaks inside your building or home
Water leaks inside your building or home will appear as bursts or breaks in exposed pipes. In severe cases, you may also notice flooding near the affected pipe.
If you suspect a water leak inside your building or home:
- Locate your stop and waste valve (usually in the basement or mechanical room on the water pipe that supplies the premises).
- Attempt to turn the valve to the off position. If the valve is seized, don't force it closed as you may break it, causing the valve itself to leak.
- If you were able to close the valve, confirm that the leak has stopped (open and close the valve annually to ensure it remains operable).
- If you were unable to control the leak using your stop and waste valve, call EPCOR to report the leak.
- We'll dispatch an EPCOR Field crew to isolate the leak from outside.
- Contact a Certified Plumber.
Property owner responsibility
As a homeowner, here are the water fixtures you need to maintain and repair:
- Pipe connected to the water meter
- Stop and waste valve
- Water line
- Hot water tank
- Internal plumbing
Certified contractors and plumbers
Refer to a local directory, search online or consult the BBB to find a list of certified contractors and plumbers in your area.
