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When Should You Call a Plumber or the Water Company?


January 27, 2018


Jumping into a major plumbing project without the right know-how can result in a disaster, such as personal injury, major property damage and tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. But, what happens when you suspect a water leak and it’s hard to know who to call? When should you call a plumber vs. your water utility company? The answer: it depends on the situation. Below are a few tips to help you decide.

Is Your Water Bill Seeing Steady Increases?

If you have started to see a slow and steady increase in your water bill and it raises the concern of a possible leak in your home, you are much better off calling a plumber. Your water utility company will only repair leaks on their side of your water meter. Even if the water meter is turning more than it usually does, guess what that means? The problem is most likely between the meter and your house. You’ll need a plumber to take care of it.

Do You Suspect an Underground Water Leak?

What if there’s a puddle in your driveway, and you suspect the water is coming from underground pipes? It could be either your house lines or the water utility company’s lines. You can find out where the water is coming from by turning off all the water valves in your house and then checking the water meter. If the water meter is still turning, that means the leak is on your side, and guess what? It is time to call a plumber. If the water meter is not turning, then the water leak is on the water company’s lines. In that situation, it is best to call and report this to your water utility company. Most water utilities will charge a service run fee if you call in a leak that ends up being on your property. You can avoid this, by taking the time to find out which side of the water meter the problem lies on, thus saving you time and most importantly, money!

Are You Worried About the Price of a Constant Water Leak?

Are you worried about your water bill skyrocketing if the leak is on your property? Don’t panic just yet. Contact your water utility company, and you will likely find that most water utilities will give a customer a one-time credit or at the very least, an adjustment to their bill. When you call, simply explain that you had a water leak on your property, and then offer to provide a plumber’s invoice to your water utility company, showing that you have had it fixed. Ask your local water utility company if they are willing to make a leak adjustment on your bill. If you do discover a leak on your property, rest assured knowing that you can call The Plumbing Joint, at any hour. Don’t incur a needless service run fee on top of thewater leak repair cost and extra water usage. The Plumbing Joint specializes in leak detection of all kinds and can save you time, frustration and money. We’ll schedule an appointment for a free quote and get your leak repaired fast.

Is it a Plumbing Emergency?

No one likes dealing with the unexpected hassle and cost of a plumbing emergency. One way to prevent costly plumbing repairs to your home is a regular maintenance schedule. Many issues with your pipes sneak up on you, and a thorough inspection is the key to catching small plumbing problems before to grow into an expensive disaster for you! Hidden leaks in sinks or drains, or even below water heaters are more than just a nuisance; they can cause structural damage over time. Water that seeps into sheetrock or plaster can contribute to mold growth.

This can all be avoided by having your plumbing regularly checked by a professional Plumbing Joint technician. Your inspector will check your water heater, garbage disposal and every area of your home’s plumbing system.

Call The Plumbing Joint for Repairs

If you spot problems like these or suspect any other plumbing or drain issues, simply call the Plumbing Joint at (425) 279-7029 for help in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Renton, King County and many of thesurrounding areas.