What Happens If a Leak Appears to Be on the Homeowner Side?
If the leak is after the meter, you are generally responsible. Here is what to do next.
If a water leak appears to be on the homeowner's side of the meter — meaning the service line from the meter to the house, interior plumbing, or a fixture — you are generally responsible for the repair. The first step is to confirm the leak exists by checking the meter with all water off. If the leak indicator is moving, water is flowing somewhere it should not be. Contact a licensed plumber to locate and repair the leak. If the leak involves excavation (such as a service line repair), call 811 before any digging begins.
Why This Matters
A leak on your side is your responsibility — and the longer it goes, the more water you waste and the more damage it can cause. A small service line leak can undermine a driveway, flood a crawlspace, or cause a slab leak. A running toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day. Acting quickly limits the damage and the cost.
How It Generally Works in the Knoxville Area
If the meter's leak indicator continues moving after all known water use is off, the next step is determining whether there is unaccounted-for metered flow and where it may be occurring. Common locations: Running toilet: A common hidden water user. Add food coloring to the tank and wait about 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, water is passing from the tank into the bowl, commonly at the flapper or flush-valve seal. Faucet or fixture: Check under sinks and around fixtures for visible drips or water stains. Slab leak: If you hear water running when all fixtures are off, or if you notice warm spots on the floor, a hot water line may be leaking under the slab. Service line: If water is visible in the yard between the meter and the house, the underground service line may be leaking. Behind a wall: If you see water stains, bubbling paint, or a musty smell, a pipe inside a wall may be leaking. A plumber can use isolation testing and leak-detection equipment to narrow the likely source and reduce unnecessary opening of walls, floors, or ground. Some concealed or underground leaks cannot be located with perfect precision before access is made.
What the Homeowner Can Check
- Whether the meter's leak indicator is moving with all water off
- Whether any toilets are running (add food coloring to the tank to check)
- Whether there are visible water stains, wet spots, or warm areas on floors
- Whether water is visible in the yard between the meter and the house
Who to Contact
A Licensed Plumber
A plumber can locate the leak, determine whether it requires excavation, and repair it. If excavation is needed, the plumber will coordinate 811.
Learn moreTennessee 811
Before any excavation on your property, call 811 to have underground utilities marked.
Visit siteWhat Not to Do
- Do not ignore a confirmed leak — even a small one can cause major damage over time
- Do not excavate on your property without calling 811 first
- Do not attempt to repair a service line or slab leak yourself — these require professional equipment and permitting
Still not sure who is responsible or what to do next?
Ask our AI Plumber — describe the problem and get guidance on whether it is likely on your side or the utility side.
Ask the AI PlumberVerify current requirements directly with the applicable authority.
Requirements may differ depending on whether the property is inside the City of Knoxville, elsewhere in Knox County, or served by another utility. Homeowners should verify current requirements with the applicable permitting authority before beginning work.
Common Questions
Will my homeowners insurance cover a leak on my side?
It depends on the policy and the type of leak. Many policies cover sudden and accidental water damage but not gradual leaks. Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage. A plumber can document the damage for a claim.
How much does it cost to repair a service line leak?
Costs vary depending on the depth, length, and location of the line, as well as whether excavation is needed. See our Cost Guide for general Knoxville-area pricing ranges, and contact us for a specific assessment.
Can I shut off my water if I find a leak?
Yes. If you know where your main shutoff valve is, turn it off to stop the flow while you wait for a plumber. If the leak is before the house shutoff (at the meter), contact KUB to shut off water at the meter.
If the problem involves your home's plumbing, The Classic Plumber can help.
We diagnose before we recommend — and we tell you when the issue is on the utility's side.