Water line repair in Atlanta

Who owns it

Atlanta, DeKalb, Cobb and Gwinnett all put the line from the meter to the house on the owner (Atlanta Watershed Management; DeKalb County) (Cobb County Water System; Gwinnett County). See who is responsible for the water line.

Finding the leak

Atlanta Watershed Management says underground leaks between the meter and the building may need a specialized leak detection company (Atlanta Watershed Management). If your house has its own main valve, close it and watch the meter; movement with the house valve closed suggests the leak is in the yard line.

Permits

Atlanta's plumbing permit form lists replacing underground piping and installing water service as work that needs a plumbing permit (City of Atlanta).

Insurance

The Georgia Attorney General's consumer office says many homeowner policies do not cover the water line from the street to the house (Georgia Consumer Ed).

Checking the plumber

Georgia licenses plumbers through the Secretary of State. The state does not register plumbing companies, and only licensed master plumbers may run a plumbing business (Georgia Secretary of State). A Class I master plumber license covers single-family homes and one-level homes for up to two families; Class II has no restrictions (Georgia Secretary of State). Ask for the master plumber's name and check it in the state's licensee search.

Common questions

The leak is at the meter. Who do I call?

In Atlanta, Watershed Management lists 404-546-0311 to report a water system leak (Atlanta Watershed Management).