How do I detect a water leak?
When an underground pipe leaks, it usually leaves a pool of water on the ground. You might notice soppy wet grass or random pools of water on your driveway. It's also possible that a water leak caused by a burst pipe may cause water to shoot out of the ground at high pressure.
If you think there is a water leak under the ground, whether on your property or not, please report it. Call our 24-Hour Water Dispatch line at
(780) 412-4500. We'll ask some questions about the location and the appearance of the leak.
You are responsible for any water lines past the property line. The image shows where the property owner's responsibility begins and ends. Read more about
property owner responsibilities.
Water leaks on city property
A leak on city property will look like any other kind of leak. In severe cases, like a water main break, there could be water shooting up from the ground, that could cause flooding.
If you notice a water leak on city property, please report it. Call Water Dispatch at
(780) 412-4500.
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 a pooling of water on your lawn or driveway. Soppy wet ground with no clear source can help you detect a water leak. In other cases, you may see water coming into your home, often through basement walls.
What do I do if I suspect a water leak on my property?
- Locate and turn off the
water shutoff valve. This valve is near the water meter, usually in the basement or utility room. It will stop water from flowing into your home's plumbing system.
- Try to find where the leak is coming from. The source will usually be near where you see the largest force of water coming out of the ground.
- Call Water Dispatch at (780) 412-4500 and report the leak.
- We'll send an EPCOR field crew to your address and assess the cause of the water leak. They'll tell you what to do and the next steps to take through a letter or notice.
- If an EPCOR Water employee tells you that the leak is on private property, a plumbing contractor can help you fix the problem.
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, water lines can release a significant amount of water. These leaks usually show up in parking lots or near building foundations.
If you detect a water leak on this type of property:
- Call Water Dispatch at (780) 412-4500 and report the leak.
- We'll send an EPCOR field crew to your address to assess the cause of the water leak.
- You can contract our water professionals to inspect, install, repair, or replace private water services.
Water leaks inside your home or a building
Water leaks inside buildings can range from a leaky toilet or leaky faucet to a broken or burst pipe. In severe cases, a burst pipe can cause flooding.