In Del Mar, a hidden leak usually shows up as a higher City of Del Mar water bill, a meter that keeps moving with everything off, or a sewer backup that turns out to be in the private lateral. A plumber can find the source by isolating and testing each part of the system. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Del Mar.
Signs a leak is likely
- Higher usage on the city water bill with no change in routine
- A meter that keeps registering with every fixture off
- Crusty white buildup at a faucet base, valve or fitting
- A toilet that hisses or refills between uses
- Corroded outdoor fittings near the beach
- Slow drains or backups, which can point to the private sewer lateral
How Del Mar is set up
The City of Del Mar runs its own water system. It buys untreated water from the San Diego County Water Authority, has it treated at the City of San Diego's Miramar plant, and stores it in four city reservoirs. The water is chloraminated and hard, averaging 229 ppm, or about 13.4 grains per gallon. That hardness is hard on cartridges, flappers and valve seats, so many leaks start at a fixture.
The city has completed its initial lead service line inventory, linked from its annual water quality report.
Sewer rules matter here. The city maintains the public sewer, but the private lateral is the owner's to clear and repair with a private plumber. The city says most sewer backups come from clogged private plumbing, so call a plumber first and Public Works only if the city's system is suspected. Del Mar also has no records of private laterals because the city didn't install them, so a plumber has to locate the line. Repairs in the public right-of-way need an encroachment permit from the Planning Department. The city puts real weight on keeping sewage away from its beaches and lagoons, which is one more reason not to let a leaking lateral wait.
For problems on the city's water or sewer system, Public Works is at (858) 755-3294, and after hours North County Dispatch takes calls at 858-756-1126.
Factors in the price
- Whether the leak is a fixture, a hidden supply line or the sewer lateral
- Time and equipment needed to locate it
- Locating an unmapped lateral before repair
- Permits: plumbing permits can be applied for online through the city's eTRAKiT system
Calling from Del Mar
You will be connected with an independent plumber who covers Del Mar. Say whether the problem is clean water or sewage and whether the meter moves with everything off.
Leak Detection questions in Del Mar
What if the leak seems to be in the sewer line rather than the water line?
Does hard water have anything to do with leaks?
Water is pooling near the meter or in the street. Who handles that?
Can chloramine in the water wear out seals and washers?
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