Responsibilities of Homeowners and the City

Homeowner Responsibility: Homeowners are responsible for the water line from the meter to the house.

This includes any plumbing fixtures with water dispensers inside the home, such as sinks, showers, and appliances.

Any leaks or issues within the home, including in walls, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, attics, and garages, fall under the homeowner’s responsibility.

City Responsibility: The city is responsible for the water line from the meter to the sidewalk. This includes maintaining and repairing any issues that arise in that section of the water supply system.

Common Issues and Recommendations

Homes built in the early 1950s or earlier may still have galvanized plumbing, which can lead to brown water, calcium

deposits, and low water pressure. If you experience these issues, it may be time to consider upgrading your water line system.

To improve water quality and pressure, it is generally recommended to replace outdated galvanized pipes with modern materials such as PEX, copper, or CPVC. Among these options, PEX is often considered the most cost-effective solution.

F.A.Q's

What is residential plumbing?

Residential plumbing refers to the system of pipes, fixtures, drains, and appliances that bring clean water into a home and remove wastewater. It includes systems such as water supply lines, drain lines, toilets, sinks, showers, water heaters, and sewer connections. These systems work together to provide clean water for daily use and safely carry waste away from the property.

The three main types of plumbing systems in a home are:

1. Water Supply System
This system delivers fresh water to your fixtures such as sinks, showers, washing machines, and toilets.

2. Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) System
This system removes wastewater and sewage from your home while venting sewer gases safely outside.

3. Stormwater Drainage System
This system carries rainwater away from your roof and foundation through gutters and drainage piping.

A 4-inch drain line can handle multiple toilets, often up to 8 or more fixtures, depending on plumbing layout and building codes. Plumbing systems are designed based on drainage fixture units (DFUs) which calculate how much waste a system can handle.

Today the most common residential plumbing pipes include:

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) – flexible, durable, and widely used for water supply lines.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – commonly used for drain and waste piping.
Copper piping – traditional and still widely used for water supply lines due to durability.

PEX has become the most popular option in many homes due to its ease of installation and resistance to corrosion.

Yes, a toilet and sink can share the same drain line as long as the system is properly vented and installed according to plumbing codes. The sink usually ties into the drain line downstream of the toilet with proper venting to prevent sewer gases from entering the home.

A P-trap is better and required by modern plumbing codes. P-traps hold water in the bend of the pipe to block sewer gases from entering the home. They also connect to a vent pipe that keeps the system balanced.

A sewage smell usually means a dry drain trap, sewer gas leak, or venting issue. Floor drains that aren’t used often can dry out, allowing sewer gases to enter the home. Broken vent pipes or damaged sewer lines can also cause strong odors. If the smell persists, a professional inspection is recommended.

Signs of a plumbing leak include higher water bills, damp walls, mold growth, low water pressure, or the sound of running water when fixtures are off. You can also check your water meter—if it moves when no water is being used, you may have a hidden leak.

Frequent drain clogs are usually caused by grease buildup, hair, soap residue, or debris trapped in the pipes. If clogs keep returning, there may be a deeper blockage in the drain line that requires professional drain cleaning.

Low water pressure can be caused by pipe corrosion, clogged fixtures, leaking pipes, or issues with the municipal water supply. Sediment buildup in pipes or water heaters can also restrict water flow.

Common warning signs include rusty water, strange noises from the tank, inconsistent hot water, leaks near the unit, or water that takes longer to heat up. Most water heaters last 8–12 years, so age can also indicate when replacement may be needed.

If you have further questions or need assistance on our

Residential Services, please contact us.

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