Water Main Break

[Daniel B.]

Just got a call from a tenant this morning, there is a water main leak at on of my SFH. It is coming up right where the driveway meets the street. As the water meter/shut of valve is on the other side of the house as the driveway, I assume it is the main line and will be the responsibility of the water company.

They sent someone out and have to send a second crew to "further investigate" First time this has happened to one of my rental properties. If the water company fixes it, will they also take care of replacing the part of the driveway they tear up and reseeding any grass? Any idea on costs estimate if I end up having to replace it? You can see the water coming up, but it seems like it is a fairly small leak.
Thanks in Advance!
Daniel

[Jon Holdman]

Steve brings up a good point. Around here there is a number to call to get the underground utilities marked. You're supposed to call it then wait three working days before any digging, even with a shovel. I'm sure there's a number in your area, too. Call them first thing Monday morning and get the ball rolling. If you don't call and hit something, it will be your responsibility to repair it, even if its someone's else line.

I've called several times for various projects, and thought I knew were all the lines on our property were. But calling for the last project (a pergola in the back yard) turned up storm drainage lines (6' square concrete tunnels, more like) throughout he back of our property I didn't know about. Always call. Don't assume.