In most cases the water utility is responsible for the main in the street and the meter, and the property owner is responsible for the line from the meter to the house. In Tuscaloosa, call 311 if the meter or meter box is leaking, or Water Distribution at 205-248-5952 for a water line break. If the leak is on your side of the meter, call a plumber.
The general rule: the meter is the dividing line
For most homes on a public water system, the dividing line is the water meter. The utility owns and maintains the water main in the street, the line up to the meter, and the meter itself. The property owner is usually responsible for the service line from the meter to the house and everything inside.
That's the common setup, but each provider sets its own rules. Before you hire anyone for a leak near the street or the meter, call your water provider and ask them to check their side.
| Where the leak is | Usually whose |
|---|---|
| Water main in the street | Utility |
| The meter or meter box | Utility |
| Between the meter and the house | Owner |
| Under the slab or inside the house | Owner |
| Outdoor spigots and irrigation | Owner |
Who to call in Tuscaloosa
If you're a City of Tuscaloosa water customer, the city lists these numbers for water and sewer problems:
| Problem | Who to call |
|---|---|
| Meter is leaking or the meter box is full of water | Tuscaloosa 311 |
| Water coming up from the ground or street | 311 or Distribution, 205-248-5942 |
| Break or leak in a water line, or a broken hydrant | Water Distribution, 205-248-5952 |
| Sewer backup or sewage on the ground | Wastewater, 205-248-5900 |
| Water service problems after hours | 205-248-5630 |
Inside city limits, dial 311. Outside city limits, call 205-248-5311. Numbers from the City of Tuscaloosa website.
Not a city customer?Parts of Tuscaloosa County are served by other providers, such as the City of Northport, Coker Water Authority and Warrior River Water Authority. Check the name on your water bill and call that provider first.
How to tell which side the leak is on
- Look at where the water isWater bubbling up in the street or right at the meter box points to the utility's side. A wet strip between the meter and the house points to your service line.
- Turn off all the water in the houseMake sure nothing is running, including irrigation and the ice maker.
- Watch the meterIf the leak indicator or dial moves with everything off, there's a leak after the meter, which is usually on your side.
- Close the main valve at the houseIf the meter still moves, the leak is in the yard line between the meter and the house. If it stops, the leak is inside the house or under the slab. Our slab leak guide covers that case.
Don't dig near the meterLeave the meter, the box and anything on the street side alone, even if you think it's leaking. Call the utility. Before digging anywhere in the yard, call 811 so buried utility lines are marked first.
If the leak is on your side
A leak on the service line between the meter and the house is a job for a licensed plumber. Depending on the pipe's age and material, they might repair one section or replace the whole line from the meter to the house. Older galvanized lines often get replaced, because one leak tends to lead to more.
A main water line repair is one of the bigger plumbing costs. The price depends mostly on how deep and long the line is and how much digging the job needs. Our plumbing cost guide explains what moves that number.
What about the water bill?
A leak on your side runs through your meter, so the water shows up on your bill. Some providers have a leak adjustment policy if you fix the leak promptly and show proof of the repair. Ask your provider whether they offer one, and keep the plumber's invoice.
Leak on your side?Water line and leak repair in Tuscaloosa→Questions people ask
Is the water line from the meter to my house my responsibility?
Usually, yes. Most providers maintain the main and the meter, and the owner maintains the line from the meter to the house. Check with your provider to be sure.
Who do I call if my water meter is leaking in Tuscaloosa?
Call Tuscaloosa 311. Dial 311 inside city limits or 205-248-5311 outside city limits.
What if water is coming up in the street?
In Tuscaloosa, call 311 or Water Distribution at 205-248-5942. Don't try to fix it yourself.
How do I know if a leak is on my side of the meter?
Turn off all water in the house and watch the meter. If it still moves, there's a leak after the meter. Close the house shutoff: if the meter keeps moving, the leak is in the yard line.
Will the water company lower my bill after a leak?
Some providers offer a leak adjustment if you repair the leak quickly and show proof. Ask your provider and keep the plumber's invoice.
This guide is general information for homeowners, not professional advice for your specific home. Plumbing Tuscaloosa is a referral service and does not do plumbing work; a licensed plumber should look at your situation before any repair.