Water leaks on private property
Have you ever heard the faint sound of running water in your home when things are quiet late at night? Or perhaps you've wondered about the soggy patch of lawn that won't seem to go away, even in the heat of summer? If you're experiencing either of these conditions, it may be that the water pipe serving your property has sprung a leak.
What should I do?
To check for leaks yourself acquire a water shut off valve key, free of charge, and determine the location of the shut off valve to your property by contacting 
.
Momentarily shutting the water to your residence off could help determine if the pipe is leaking by:
- creating a marked reduction of either the flow of water or
- reducing the sound of water escaping from the pipe, once the valve is closed.
If the pipe is leaking, the flow or sound would return once the valve is turned back on. Finally, either occurrence would be a strong indication of water leaking from the supply pipe on the private property side of the shut off valve. No change would indicate that the leak is originating from the City side of the valve or is an unrelated issue.
Who's responsible for repairs?
The water shut off valve delineates the transfer of ownership between the City and the property owner. This being the case, the section of piping on the public side of the shut off valve, including the valve, would then be maintained by the City. In the same manner, the piping on the private side of the valve belongs to the property owner who is therefore responsible for any required repairs.
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How can I be sure?
As a second option, and at your request, the City will come to your property and perform the same test described above to determine whether the water supply pipe is indeed leaking and if so, on which side of the shut off valve the leak is originating from. A nominal flat fee of $50 will apply should the leak be found on the private side of the property, in which case the City will provide a notice confirming the leak and a request that the repairs be initiated. On the other hand, if the leak is resulting from the public property side of the shut off valve, then the City will do the appropriate repairs at no charge to you when resources and priorities permit.
It should be noted that the $50 flat fee mentioned above applies during regular business hours. Regular business hour appointments are scheduled to occur between 9:00am and 5:00pm seven days a week (excluding statutory holidays). Emergency callouts between the hours of 7:00am and 6:30pm seven days a week are also a $50 flat fee (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.
Remember, these fees only pertain if the leak is determined to be the property owner's responsibility. The property owner or someone with signing authority is required to approve the crew’s attendance and accept the possibility of charges.
If we do charge the customer an invoice will be mailed to them. The invoice will always have the name of a contact person who will be able to explain the charges in detail should there be any questions. Invoices can be paid in person at Revenue Services, Main Floor City Hall, 453 West 12th Ave (at Cambie) or invoices can be mailed to: City of Vancouver, Revenue Services, PO Box 7747 Stn Terminal, Vancouver, BC V6B 8R1.
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