Service Line

Pipes that connect a water main to a building or dwelling. Service lines can be made of many materials, such as copper, galvanized steel, plastic, and lead, and are typically 2 inches or smaller in diameter. The service line is typically split into a public side and a private side section of pipe, in which the two sections are separated by the water meter that measures the flow of water into the building. The public side is typically owned by a water utility, responsible for maintaining and replacing service lines. The private side is owned and maintained by the homeowner or business owner. For some water systems, the homeowner or business owner may be responsible for the entire service line between the building/dwelling and the utility-owned water main.