“Waterlines” 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”. For more information on inside water lines, see our Repipe Services page.
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 Trouble
An elevated water bill is the most common, and often the only symptom of a 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
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 and Sewer at 206-430-1954 if you suspect a water line is leaking. We will make recommendations to repair or replace part or all of the waterline.
In an Emergency
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 at 206-430-1954, or call Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800.
- See this Seattle Public Utilities link on How to Shut Off Water At the Meter
- If you find water running on a neighboring property, call the Seattle emergency line at 206-386-1800.
Raymark 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 technicians can solve the problem and stop water line leaks.
Water Pressure
Some Seattle area neighborhoods are known to have consistently high or low water pressure.
- In neighborhoods with high water pressure, Raymark 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 may recommend a booster pump to increase the flow.
Water Line Composition
The city’s main water lines run under the street and are maintained by Seattle Public Utilities. These lines are made of copper, plastic, galvanized iron, or ductile iron.
Use this link to find out what your city water line is made of. Further, the water line from the city water meter to the home is the Seattle homeowners’ responsibility.
Call Raymark Plumbing and Sewer today. Our experienced technicians can solve any of your water problems.
