“Water lines” can refer to freshwater or wastewater. On this page, we are referring to the outside pipes that bring fresh water from the city’s mainline into your home. The industry terminology calls this “water service”.
To ensure water is delivered when wanted, your water service is kept under constant high pressure. As a result of this pressure, leaks can develop in weak or older pipes.
Signs of Water Line Trouble
An elevated water bill is the most common, and often the only symptom of a plumbing leak in your water service. Sometimes, when a leak occurs, water will find its way onto your lawn or basement, whichever is downhill from the leak. Because uncontained water can be so damaging, we recommend locating your water shut-off at the water meter before an emergency arises.
With this in mind, look for these signs of trouble:
An unusually high water bill
The water meter running when no water is in use
Standing water found on the lawn, walkway, sidewalk, or driveway
Water in the basement or on the lower level of your home
Water Pressure
Some Seattle area neighborhoods are known to have consistently high or low water pressure.
In neighborhoods with high water pressure, Raymark Plumbing & Sewer can install a PRV (a Pressure Reducing Valve). This valve regulates the water pressure, reduces the pressure on the waterline, and increases the life span of the pipe.
Neighborhoods with low water pressure are usually located at the bottom of a hill. For these locations, Raymark Plumbing & Sewer may recommend a booster pump to increase the flow.
Furthermore, water service may fail due to old age, the type of pipe, or the presence of tree roots. When a tree needs water, it can wriggle its way inside the smallest cracks in a pipe. In time, the pipe can break open and become an emergency situation.
Call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer at (206) 440-9077 if you suspect a water line is leaking. We will make recommendations to repair or replace part or all of the waterline.
Water Line Emergencies
If an outside pipe is leaking or flooding, turn off the water at the water meter.
Check for a water shut-off valve at the water meter box near the street.
If you have a Top Shut Off (TSO) meter, you may be able to shut the water off with your hands or with a wrench
Older meters may need a special tool to shut off the water. If you need help shutting off your water at the meter, call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer at (206) 440-9077, or call Seattle Public Utilities at (206) 440-9077.
If you find water running on a neighboring property, call the Seattle emergency line at (206) 440-9077.
Raymark Plumbing & Sewer plumbers have all the tools needed to shut off your water and to make repairs. Call us for any problems with water in your lawn, driveway, yard, patio, and home. Our expert and knowledgeable plumbers can solve the problem and stop water line leaks.
City Water Lines
Did you know that the water line from the city water meter to the home is responsibility of the homeowner? If you are experiencing issues, call Raymark Plumbing & Sewer. Our licensed plumbers can resolve any water issues you may encounter.
Homeowners can find out what material your city water line is made of by visiting the Seattle Public Utilities website
Schedule your Raymark Plumbing & Sewer appointment today by calling (206) 440-9077, or submit our Contact form.
Water Line & Water Service FAQs
A repair may be needed if your water lines are leaking.
The usual symptoms of a leak in your water service are:
an unusually high water bill
the water meter running when no water is on in the house
puddles in the yard or on the sidewalk when not raining
sound of water running
green grass when all other grass is yellow or brown
Shut off the water in the house when leaking or flooding occurs inside the house. Many sinks and toilets have water supply lines, so you can isolate water shut off at those points, or at your home’s shut off valve.
If water is leaking or flooding outside the house, shut off the water at the water meter. This will turn off all water to your home.
We offer a wide range of plumbing service options, including:
"Raymark Plumbing recently replaced the old galvanized pipes in our 1925 home. The job was done on time and within budget. Their team members were very professional and the job went off without a hitch. We are very happy and highly recommend the company." - Kevin B.