Emergency Signs Of A Failed Service Line
Your water service line carries water from the main in the street to your house. If it breaks, you may see a wet or sunken patch in the yard, hear water rushing with everything off or find the house suddenly without pressure. Treat those signs as urgent and call now.
Close the main shutoff valve inside the house, usually near where the line enters the basement or crawl space. That stops water inside, though it does not stop a leak in the buried section on the street side of your valve.
- A soggy or sunken area in the lawn when it has not rained.
- The meter spinning with every fixture closed.
- A sudden drop in pressure at every tap.
- Hissing or rushing sounds near where the line enters the house.
- A water bill that jumps without a change in use.
Who Owns Which Part Of The Line
Responsibility for a service line is split between you and the water utility. Where the split falls depends on the utility, so we will not guess. Ask the Sandwich Water District which part of your line belongs to you before any digging begins.
The district keeps staff on call around the clock and its contact details are on its website. If the leak is at or before the meter, call them. If it is on your side, call us. We can help you work out which is which.
How We Find And Fix A Service Line Problem
Confirm the leak
We check the meter, listen at the line and shut down fixtures to isolate the problem.
Locate the break
Listening equipment and surface clues narrow down the spot before we dig.
Choose the repair
A short section may be spliced. An old or repeatedly failing line is better replaced.
Restore and test
We reconnect, flush, test pressure and make sure the meter sits still.
Spot Repair Or Full Replacement
If a single break is the only problem on a sound line, a spot repair can solve it. If the line is old, brittle or has failed before, a full replacement avoids repeated excavation. Modern lines are made of durable materials that resist corrosion, and the new connection to your house is built to last.
Spot repair fits when
- One clear break in an otherwise sound line
- The pipe material is in good shape
- Access to the break is straightforward
- The line has no history of failures
Replacement fits when
- The line is old, corroded or lead suspect
- Several leaks have occurred
- Pressure is poor even after repair
- The line material is outdated and fragile
Lead, Old Pipe And What To Ask About
The Sandwich Water District's 2025 report records a lead 90th percentile of 0 ppb in 30 sampled homes, with one site above the action level of 15 ppb. The district's own guidance says lead in tap water comes mainly from service lines and home plumbing.
If your house is old, it is reasonable to ask the district what is known about your line material. When we replace a line, we choose modern materials and tell you what was removed. The district can also explain testing options if you are curious about your own water.
Source: Sandwich Water District 2025 Water Quality Report and district FAQ.
Permits And Inspection In Sandwich
Plumbing work in Massachusetts follows the Uniform State Plumbing Code, 248 CMR 10.00, and plumbing permits are issued only to licensed plumbers. The Sandwich Building Department handles plumbing and gas inspections and runs a Permit Eyes portal for permits. Inspections are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, booked by phone.
Ask the Sandwich Building Department whether your line replacement needs a permit and inspection. We handle that process when it applies and tell you what to expect.
Sources: Massachusetts Board of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters and the Town of Sandwich Building Department.
Low Pressure Does Not Always Mean A Broken Line
Low pressure can come from a partly closed valve, a failing pressure reducing valve, clogged fixtures or a restricted old pipe. We check the simple causes first. If every tap is weak and the meter shows normal use, the service line itself may be narrowed by corrosion or buildup.
If you suspect a hidden leak instead, our leak detection service can pinpoint it without unnecessary digging.
What Drives The Price Of Service Line Work
What drives the price
Service line work is quoted after we locate the problem. You get a clear price before work starts.
Length of the line
A short run is simpler than a long line crossing a yard and driveway.
Depth and ground conditions
Deeper lines and tough ground take more time.
What is above the line
Driveways, patios and landscaping affect access and restoration.
Repair or replacement
A spot repair is smaller. A full replacement covers the length of the line.
Permits and inspection
Where required, they are part of the job and are explained up front.
A note on insurance
Check your homeowner policy for coverage of water line damage. Some policies cover it through an add on.
Frequently asked questions
Shut the main valve inside the house. If water still flows in the yard, the break is probably on the street side of the valve. Call us and, if the leak is near the meter, the Sandwich Water District. Take photos of the wet area.
Leaks on the utility side are for the Sandwich Water District, which keeps a 24 hour on call line. We can help you work out which side of the meter the leak is on.
We use the meter, pressure checks and listening equipment to narrow the location before any excavation.
We cannot tell from a description. The Sandwich Water District can tell you what is known about your line. If we replace the line, we install modern materials.
It depends on length, depth and what sits above the line. We explain the schedule when we give the price.
Ask the Sandwich Building Department. Plumbing permits are issued only to licensed plumbers, and we handle the process when it applies.
We backfill and tidy the work area. Larger restoration, such as paving or landscaping, is discussed before the work begins.
Still have a question about your situation? The line is open around the clock.
Call (508) 389-4045Reference: the water line from the street connects to the water district's system. Ownership standards differ by district, so ask the Sandwich Water District which part of the line is yours before any repair. Repairs follow 248 CMR 10.00.