The water service line runs from the Charlotte Water meter to your house. When it leaks, you may see a wet strip in the yard, hear water running, see pressure drop throughout the house, or just get a higher bill.
Whose line is it?
Is the water line from the meter my responsibility?
Yes. Charlotte Water's leak policy puts leaks beyond the meter outlet on the customer; leaks at the meter itself are the utility's. Charlotte Water directs customers to a plumber for leaks between the meter and the building.
Repair or replace the service line?
A single leak on a sound line can be spot-repaired once it's located. Older service lines, particularly galvanized steel in pre-1960 homes, corrode from inside and tend to fail repeatedly; replacing the whole line is often the better value. Replacement can sometimes be pulled through with trenchless methods instead of a full trench.
Digging requires an NC811 call with a three-business-day wait for public utility marking, and replacing the service line is permitted work in Mecklenburg County.
Leak adjustments
If the leak raised your bill, Charlotte Water's leak policy may give a partial credit for a repaired private-side leak, with a plumber's receipt. See leak detection in Charlotte.
Hiring a plumber for this job: main water line repair in Charlotte
SteadWell is a free referral service, not a plumbing company. We connect you with an independent, licensed plumber who serves Charlotte; that plumber prices the job and stands behind the work.
- Confirm the North Carolina license with the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.
- Ask how the leak will be located before digging.
- Ask whether the quote includes the permit, NC811 locate and yard restoration.
