Water leaks on City property

Water leaks are minor water main breaks where the break is a pinhole that can usually be repaired with a clamp or boiler plug. The amount of water leaking is much less than a major water main break. A water main break results in a large volume of water leaking and typically involves a crew, excavation and replacement of a segment of pipe. See the water main break section for more information.

Total quantity of water lost is directly proportional to the flow rate of the leak and the leak duration time. The City prioritizes leak repair activities based on severity and location of the failure.

Once Waterworks is aware that a leak exists, the precise location of the leak must be identified prior to the repair. In many cases, only a small percentage of the leak flow is visible on the surface, and a timely investigation is important for even small surface discharges.

During months when failure occurrences are low, crews are usually available to repair identified leaks in a relatively short time period. Unfortunately, during the coldest times of the winter months, failure incidences typically increase to a level where crew resourcing is inadequate to keep up with demand.

The City owns the service from the main to the curb stop. The City does not charge to repair leaks on City property unless the home owner, business owner, contractor or a representative has done work that has caused damage to City property.

The homeowner/business owner is responsible for repairs on their property. The City does not undertake repairs on private property but will shut off the water service if they request it. If the City comes out and determines the leak is on private property and not City property, the owner will be charged a $50 flat fee during regular business hours (Monday to Sunday 7:00am to 6:30pm, excluding statutory holidays). The $200 flat fee applies to emergency callouts between 6:30pm and 7:00am seven days a week and all statutory holiday callouts.

There are some streets in Vancouver that are private streets and do not belong to the City of Vancouver. If you know the street you are calling about is a private street, please make sure you tell the property manager of your complex that you have called the City. Provide your 311 case number to the property manager and let him/her know that Waterworks will be processing the call.

Call to report a water leak.

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