If you couldn't find your meter, look for the service line by checking your basement or first floor, looking first along the exterior walls particularly on the side of the building facing the street. The incoming pipe will come through an external wall or the floor and then connect to the water meter.
To begin, you should try to obtain an old property inspection report to find some indication of the water line's general location. If you do not have this information, you can find your water meter for a good starting place. Once you have an idea of where to begin, you can set up the utility locator.
The main water line may be behind drywall, paneling, the ceiling, or flooring. Follow visible water lines near the water heater.
Water travels from the city's main water line to your house water main, a large (¾ inches or larger) pipe that leads into your home. This supply line is buried deep enough underneath your property that it won't freeze, and it runs from the ground directly into the home.
Water pipe detector
Also known as a pipe locator, this tool can sense metal pipes and some can even detect plastic piping. A good quality pipe detector can save you from many headaches and unnecessary holes in the walls.
Get a Residential Plumbing Diagram from the County Clerk
This local government professional typically has access to your neighborhood's plumbing diagram and can send it your way to help you find the main sewer line.
Every house has at least one main water shut-off valve. Look for where the plumbing enters the home to find yours. There are a couple of main spots to check inside first before heading outside to look. You can save yourself some time by checking your property inspection report if you know where that is.
Most of the time, the sewer line will be sticking out of the ground and easy to spot; however, overgrown landscaping or objects close to the house could hide the cap. Or, you could have a buried sewer cleanout. Try searching on the side of the home that is closest to the main floor bathroom.
I live in Southern California, the water company is responsible for the water pipe that comes from the street until it reaches the water meter (usually near the curb in front of your house). The part of the pipe that goes from the water meter to your house and all the pipes inside your house are your responsibility.
Your water line must be buried at least 12 inches below the frost line to meet local code requirements. However, a minimum depth of 6 inches below the frost line is often recommended for extra security against freezing.
Sand or gravel areas in the bottom of valleys will often be home to groundwater. These layers can be covered by clay or silt, so it's prudent to check these areas thoroughly. Natural springs usually indicate groundwater is nearby. A spring that flows year-round will likely reveal a productive aquifer.
Who is Responsible for the Water Line From the Street to Your House? Water service lines within the bounds of your property are considered your personal responsibility to maintain, while public water pipes outside of private property lines are the city's responsibility.
Every home was required to have a main water shut-off valve installed inside the home when it was built. For most emergencies or repairs, shutting off the proper inside valve is all you will need to do. However, there are also underground shut-off valves installed outside at the property line.
If your meter is inside, then the line should be near it on the same wall. If you couldn't find your meter, look for the service line by checking your basement or first floor, looking first along the exterior walls particularly on the side of the building facing the street.
Does homeowners insurance cover water line breaks? Most homeowners insurance policies will not cover water line breaks unless a line has undergone sudden, significant damage. For example, if you dig in your yard and accidentally damage the water line running from your meter, repairs and cleanup may be covered.
Basements are known for housing water pipes that run throughout the room — usually along the ceiling and down walls that connect to your plumbing fixtures.
Stud finders equipped with AC detection are indispensable tools for homeowners keen on pinpointing the exact locations of plumbing lines in their walls. The AC detection capability enhances the tool's ability to sense nearby electrical currents, which often run parallel to plumbing routes.
It is optional to include separate plumbing plans in the set of drawings - the majority of the time, we include electrical and plumbing locations on the dimensioned floor plan pages.