The main water service line runs underground from the water meter or well to your home. It is easy to forget about until it fails. Common signs include a sudden drop in water pressure throughout the house, a soggy or sunken patch of yard between the meter and the house, water bubbling up near the street, a water bill that climbs without explanation, or dirty water after the line has been disturbed.
Service lines fail from age, corrosion, shifting soil, freeze damage, tree roots, or accidental damage during digging. Some older homes still have galvanized steel or even lead service lines, which many utilities now encourage owners to replace.
In general, the utility is responsible for the line up to the meter, and the homeowner is responsible from the meter to the house, though this varies. If water is leaking near the street, call the water utility first to check which side the leak is on.
Haygood Plumbing connects you with an independent plumber in Chicago, IL who repairs water service lines. The plumber who takes your job will locate the leak, then either repair the damaged section or recommend replacing the whole line, especially if it is old or made of a material that keeps failing. Replacement may be done by trenching or, in some cases, by boring under the yard to limit digging.
Before calling, check whether the meter's leak indicator spins with all fixtures off. Ask the plumber about permits and utility locates required in Chicago, IL, and whether the quote covers backfilling and restoring the yard or driveway.