Lacey, WA
Water Leak Questions, Answered
Plain answers to the questions Lacey residents ask us most. Still have a question? Call (360) 000-0000.
Do I Have a Leak?
How can I tell if I have a hidden leak?
Turn off all water inside and outside. Find your meter, usually in a box near the street. If the small leak indicator on the dial is spinning, or the reading changes after 15 minutes of no water use, water is escaping somewhere.
What are the most common signs of a hidden leak?
A rising water bill, a musty smell, stains on ceilings or walls, bubbling paint, warped floors or baseboards, warm spots on the floor, low water pressure, the sound of running water when nothing is on, and wet patches in the yard.
Can a leak be hiding even if my house looks dry?
Yes. Leaks in the buried water line outside, in the crawl space, or under a slab can run for months with no visible sign inside.
My meter moves only a tiny bit. Is that a real leak?
It can be. A slow drip from a toilet flapper or a pinhole in a pipe adds up to a lot of water over a billing cycle. Even small movement is worth checking.
Could it be condensation instead of a leak?
Sometimes. Cold water pipes, ducts and toilet tanks sweat in humid weather. We can tell the difference with moisture and temperature readings.
About Leak Detection
What does leak detection actually involve?
We confirm the leak with meter and pressure tests, isolate which line is failing, then pinpoint the exact spot with acoustic listening, thermal imaging, moisture meters, tracer gas or cameras, depending on the leak.
Will you tear up my walls or floors?
No. The tools work through drywall, tile, concrete and soil. The goal is to mark the exact spot so any repair opening is as small as possible.
How long does it take?
Most visits take one to three hours. Large properties, long buried lines and multiple leaks can take longer.
Do I need to be home?
Usually, yes, or someone needs to let us in and give access to the meter, water heater and crawl space.
Can you find leaks in drain and sewer pipes?
Yes. We use camera inspection and flow tests since drain lines do not stay pressurized like supply lines.
Can you find leaks in newer homes?
Yes. New homes leak at fittings, water heater connections and irrigation systems more often than people expect.
Lacey Specific Questions
Who is responsible for a leak between the meter and my house?
In most cities, including Lacey, the property owner is usually responsible for the line on the house side of the meter, and the city handles its side. If you are unsure where your responsibility starts, the City of Lacey utility office can confirm it for your address.
Why do so many Lacey homes have crawl space leaks?
Many homes here are built over crawl spaces. Pipes run through a space most people never enter, so drips go unnoticed, and the damp Pacific Northwest climate keeps moisture from drying out.
Does winter weather cause leaks in Lacey?
Hard freezes are not constant here, but when they hit, pipes in exterior walls, unheated crawl spaces and outdoor spigots can split. The leak often shows up when things thaw.
Can I get help from the city with water saving?
Lacey water and sewer customers can pick up free water saving kits at City Hall by bringing a copy of their utility bill. Some irrigation customers also qualify for a controller rebate. Check the city's water conservation page for current details.
Cost and Insurance
How much does leak detection cost?
Most standard visits land around $150 to $450, with slab leaks and long buried lines often costing more. See our cost guide.
Does homeowners insurance cover leak detection?
Many policies help pay to find a leak that caused covered damage, and some cover the access opening. Coverage varies, so check your policy.
Is detection included in the repair price?
They are separate. Detection finds and marks the source. Repair fixes it. Knowing the exact spot keeps the repair quote accurate.
Emergencies
What should I do if a pipe bursts?
Shut off the main water valve right away, turn off power to wet areas, move valuables, take photos, and call (360) 000-0000. More on our emergency page.
Where is my main shutoff valve?
Usually where the water line enters the home, often in the garage, a utility closet, near the water heater, or in the crawl space. The valve at the meter box by the street also works.
Who We Help
Do you work with renters, landlords and businesses?
Yes. Anyone in Lacey with a leak can call. Homes, rentals, condos, apartments, offices, shops and churches all get the same process.
Do you cover my part of Lacey?
We cover all of Lacey. See the service areas page.
with any question we did not answer here.