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Water Service Line Leaks: What You Own vs Aqua
A water service line is the underground pipe that carries water from the public water main to a home. Aqua Pennsylvania supplies water to most of Bensalem Township, and responsibility for the service line is usually split at the curb stop: Aqua Pennsylvania maintains the utility side, and the property owner maintains the pipe from the curb stop to the home. This guide from Leak Detection Bensalem explains what that split means when the line leaks.
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━ KEY PARTS
Parts of a Water Service Line
A residential water service line has several parts, and each part plays a role in deciding who handles a leak.
- Water Main: The large public pipe under the street carries water to every property on the block.
- Utility-Side Service Pipe: A short pipe connects the main to the curb stop on the utility side of the system.
- Curb Stop: A shutoff valve near the property line, usually under a small cover in the lawn or sidewalk, marks the common dividing point.
- Customer-Side Service Line: The buried pipe from the curb stop to the home carries water across the yard and through the foundation.
- Water Meter: The meter records every gallon that enters the home and sits in the basement, a utility room, or a meter pit.
- Main Shutoff Valve: The valve inside the home stops the flow from the service line to the interior plumbing.
Aqua Pennsylvania confirms the exact ownership boundary for each address, so contact the utility before any excavation near the curb.
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━ WHO HANDLES WHAT
Who Handles a Service Line Leak
The location of the leak decides who handles the repair. These four situations cover most service line leaks.
Leak Between the Main and the Curb Stop
A leak on the utility side of the curb stop is usually handled by Aqua Pennsylvania, so report it to the utility.
Leak Between the Curb Stop and the Home
A leak on the customer side of the curb stop is usually the responsibility of the property owner, who hires a contractor for the repair.
Leak at the Curb Stop Valve
A leak at the curb stop itself calls for a report to Aqua Pennsylvania first, because the utility confirms who owns and repairs the valve.
Leak Inside the Home
A leak after the main shutoff valve belongs to the interior plumbing and is the responsibility of the property owner.
━ WHAT TO DO
What to Do if You Suspect a Service Line Leak
These five steps confirm the leak and route it to the right party.
01
Look for Surface Signs
Check the yard between the curb and the house for soggy soil, greener grass, or small sinkholes.
02
Test the Water Meter
Turn off every fixture and check whether the meter keeps moving.
03
Close the Main Shutoff
Close the main shutoff valve inside the home. A meter that still moves points to a service line leak.
04
Contact Aqua Pennsylvania
Report the suspected leak to Aqua Pennsylvania and confirm the ownership boundary for the address.
05
Pinpoint the Leak
Schedule underground leak detection to locate a customer-side leak before any excavation begins.
━ WARNING SIGNS
Signs of a Service Line Leak
A leaking service line usually shows one or more of these four signs.
Soggy Ground Along the Pipe Path
Water rising through the soil leaves a wet strip between the curb and the foundation.
A Meter That Moves With the Main Closed
Meter movement after the main shutoff is closed confirms water loss before the water reaches the home.
A Sudden Rise in the Water Bill
A service line leak runs constantly, so the bill rises even though household use stays the same.
Low Pressure at Every Fixture
Water escaping from the service line reduces the pressure available at every faucet and shower.
Why the Exact Leak Location Matters
The ownership boundary means the leak location decides who handles the repair. A leak on the utility side goes to Aqua Pennsylvania, and a leak on the customer side goes to the contractor hired by the property owner.
An exact location also limits excavation to one small area. Underground water line leak detection pinpoints the leak before any digging begins.
━ Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover common questions about water service line leaks in Bensalem.
Still Have Questions?
Who owns the water line from the street to my house?
Aqua Pennsylvania generally maintains the pipe from the main to the curb stop, and the property owner maintains the service line from the curb stop to the home. Aqua Pennsylvania confirms the boundary for each address.
Where is the curb stop?
The curb stop is usually near the property line under a small round or square cover in the lawn, driveway, or sidewalk.
Does homeowners insurance cover a service line leak?
Many standard homeowners policies exclude underground service line repairs, and some insurers sell separate service line coverage. Check the policy or ask the insurer before the repair.
How do I know if the leak is on my side of the curb stop?
Leak detection equipment traces the service line and pinpoints the leak, which shows whether the leak sits before or after the curb stop.
Can a service line leak cause low water pressure?
Yes. Water that escapes from the service line never reaches the home, so every fixture loses pressure at the same time.
NEED PROFESSIONAL LEAK DETECTION?
Locate the Leak on Your Service Line
The leak location decides who handles the repair and how much of the yard is opened. Leak Detection Bensalem pinpoints the leak so the right party makes a small, focused repair. Call (877) 540-5737, Monday to Sunday from 8 AM to 8 PM, or book online to request your inspection.