In Lakeside, a hidden leak usually appears as a higher water bill or a meter that never rests, and more than half the homes are old enough that original pipe and valves are a likely source. Whether you call Lakeside Water District or Padre Dam about a meter-side problem depends on your address. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Lakeside.
Which water district do I call if the leak is near the meter?
Lakeside is split between two water retailers. Lakeside Water District serves Lakeside along with Eucalyptus Hills, Moreno Valley, Muth Valley and Wintergardens, while Padre Dam Municipal Water District serves other parts of Lakeside and nearby East County communities. The boundary runs by address, so the name on your bill is the answer. Lakeside Water District takes problem reports at 619-443-3805 at any hour. Water coming up at the meter box or in the street belongs with the district first; anything on the house side of the meter is for your plumber.
Are older Lakeside houses more likely to have hidden leaks?
Age is a big factor here. About 52 percent of Lakeside homes were built before 1980, and the median home dates to around 1978. That puts many supply lines, shutoff valves, water heater connections and drain lines past forty years of service. Copper can pinhole, galvanized pipe rusts from the inside and narrows, and old valves often won't close fully when you need them. A plumber will usually start with the meter test, then isolate the hot side, cold side and yard line one at a time, using listening equipment to find the leak before opening a wall or floor.
What does the water itself have to do with it?
Lakeside Water District disinfects with chloramine, and its main supply is treated surface water delivered through Helix Water District's R.M. Levy plant, supplemented by imported water and local groundwater from the Santee-El Monte Basin, which the district treats for iron and manganese at its Vine Street plant. Chloramine can age some rubber seals and flappers, and mineral buildup in older valves keeps them from seating. That is why running toilets and dripping fixtures account for so many leaks. Padre Dam customers should check their own district's water report.
A note on sewer and permits
Sewered parts of Lakeside are served by the San Diego County Sanitation District, which carries wastewater to the City of San Diego's Point Loma plant. Lakeside is unincorporated, so permits for larger plumbing repairs come from the County of San Diego Planning & Development Services Building Division.
Leak Detection questions in Lakeside
Which water agency serves my address, and why does it matter for a leak?
Are older houses here more likely to spring hidden leaks?
Does repairing a leak require a permit?
Could the pool or spa be the thing losing water?
More plumbing services in Lakeside
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