Water service pipes are owned by you and the City.Infographic of City owned versus privately owned pipes

  • The part that the City owns runs from the watermain on the street to the property line.
  • The part that you own runs from the property line into the home.

How to manage a leaking or burst pipe depends on where the leak is located. Get tips below.

 

 

Who is responsible for conducting repairs

The pipes in your home are private property. You will need to contact a plumber to conduct repairs.

How to turn off water until plumber or contractor arrives

Know How to Turn off Your Main Water Supply in your basementYou can turn off the water supply by closing the main water supply valve (also called the stop and waste valve). The valve, which is part of your private plumbing system, is typically located on the foundation wall where the drinking water pipe enters the home, just before the water meter.

If the shut off valve is not working, you can contact the City to turn off the water supply at the property line. There is a fee for this service.

Water Turn Off requests can be made by calling 311 (online requests are not available). Toronto Water staff will arrive within two hours. Someone must be home to in order for staff to access the property.

Who is responsible for conducting repairs

If the break is located on the private portion of the pipe, the homeowner is responsible for conducting repairs. There will be a fee to turn off the water and to turn it back on once repairs are complete.

If the break is found to be on the City portion of the pipe, the City will turn off the water supply at the property line and will submit an emergency work order to conduct repairs. There is no fee for this repair on City infrastructure.

How to turn off water until plumber or contractor arrives

Water Turn Off requests can be made by calling 311 (online requests are not available). Toronto Water staff will arrive within two hours. Someone must be home to in order for staff to access the property.

Get details on who to call if your water meter is leaking or requires service.