I just received a bill for over $260 for my water bill from Calera. They say I've used over 80k gallons this past month. I asked them to come out and check their meter and they say it's a leak on my side and I'm responsible for it. I am the only person the house. I have no perk, wet or any other visual indication that I have this big of a leak. That's over 2k gallons a day going somewhere. I called a leak detection place and they gave me an outrageous quote just to find the leak(s). From my meter the pipe runs under my driveway then head for the front of my garage that's guestimation wise about 40ft away. I have ball valves on the inside of my garage and can confirm the leak is between the house and the meter. Does anybody have an idea on what a decent quote would be to just replace the line and be done with it? It doesn't make sense to me to pay an arm and a leg just to find the leak where I could quite possibly just replace it for that or a lesser price. If any of you do this type of work or know someone I'd appreciate a heads up. I would try to do it myself, but I've torn my knee up and just can't do it anymore. Thanks in advance. I am in Calera by the way.

You have confirmed that you have a leak?


If you don't want to bother finding the leak- I would rent a trencher and run a new water line, cut the old line loose and tie it into the line right at the meter and right at the house.. or in your case pay someone to do it. I wished I knew a plumber in your area. Maybe someone chimes in with a name and number soon.

Also, I'm assuming you've confirmed you have a leak, but if not... Turn your water meter "off" while all of ensuring that your house isn't using any water at all. If the meter spins, you have a leak, if it doesn't, you have no leak.

You'd be surprised how much a janky flapper or faucet washer will effect water consumption. Usually the meter has a leak detector spinning thingy that'll help determine. Close cutoff valves inside till leak detector stops spinning.

I have been all through that. Definitely have a big leak. Unfortunately I am not able to drive/operate an ditch witch due to a torn up back and knee. I am kind of between a rock and a hard place right now. That's why I am reaching out to Aldeer.

I have done all of this. The meter spins with everything turned off by a ball valve where waterline enters the garage. Stupid thing is there is no standing water anywhere to be seen. I must have a huge cavern under the driveway by now.

Dang. I hate that and feel your pain. Yep, you've got a decent cavern and underground stream going if nothing is showing up on top. Hope someone chimes in soon to help

If your on city water where a portion of the bill goes to sewer. ( no septic tank). Sometimes the water company may reduce the sewer part of the bill. I’d try it.

Told me I used 18000 gallons last month to the tune of $110. I know I have a couple toilets that ain't right along with s couple faucets. Gonna have to take care of it. Later

Same thing. I called a plumber and had them run a new water line. used pex about 100ft. $330

Most water companies have a forgiveness program if you can show you had a leak and produce an invoice where you paid to repair it. They don’t advertise that you have to call and ask.

Do you have a sprinkler system running off the main?

I would guess from 500 to 1000 for the repair. I sure the heck would not be driving a vehicle down the driveway.

Depending on the depth and soil conditions the leak will not show itself. A lot of factors on which is better and or cheaper to repair or replace. Call Bama leak detection to locate the leak. They can also quote you on repairing or replacing the line. The going rate for leak detection is about $350.

I had a plumber slide pex inside my existing line and it worked great