Water Meter London Ontario: Why It’s Dripping and Who’s Responsible
A puddle near your water meter usually isn’t your water heater or your pipes. It’s often a small rubber washer. Here’s what actually causes a leaking water meter, who’s responsible for fixing it, and what it costs.
I’m Aron Oretan — a Licensed Red Seal Plumber and Steamfitter with 26 years in the trade.
Who Actually Owns Your Water Meter
Your water meter is owned by the City of London, not you. You pay rent for it every month through your water bill. Water meters themselves rarely fail. What usually fails is the rubber washer on either end of the meter, where it connects to your home’s plumbing.
“People think their water meter is broken. Almost every time, it’s a forty-cent washer, not the meter itself.” — Aron Oretan
How the Repair Actually Works
If a washer fails, fixing it is a hands-on process. We shut down the water to the home, drain the pipes, and disconnect the meter. Then we replace the washers on both ends, reconnect everything, refill the system, and bleed the air out of the lines. Only then is the leak fully resolved.
Triton Field Note: Valves near the water meter often sit untouched for years. Homeowners rarely turn them. That means they can seize up, making a simple shutoff harder than it should be, and adding time to a repair that would otherwise be quick.
What It Costs
We don’t like to give hard quotes over a blog post, since every home is different. Generally, this repair runs 250 to 300 dollars, including the labour to shut the system down, replace the washers, and bleed the lines afterword.
Who’s Responsible for the Leak
This is where a lot of homeowners get confused, and it matters, because it affects who you should call.
If the leak is coming from a valve downstream of the meter, on the house side, that’s your responsibility to fix. If it’s the valve before the meter, that valve belongs to the city, and the city needs to come repair it.
The curb stop in your front yard is also a city-owned valve. Local plumbers usually have the tools to shut it off, but the City of London prefers their own water service operations staff handle that valve. If your leak traces back to the curb stop, expect to call the city directly rather than a plumber.
What to Watch For
You don’t need special tools to catch this early. A small puddle forming near your water meter is the main sign. It could be the meter connections, a washer, or a valve on either side. Catching it early keeps a small fix small.
See our full range of plumbing services or book a water meter inspection online if you’ve noticed water near your meter. You can also reach us directly at 226-270-5177.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Meter Leaks
Why is there a puddle near my water meter?
The most common cause is a worn rubber washer on either end of the meter, not the meter itself. Water meters rarely fail on their own.
Who owns my water meter?
The City of London owns the water meter. Homeowners pay rent for it through their monthly water bill.
Am I responsible for fixing a leak near my water meter?
It depends on the exact location. A valve downstream of the meter is the homeowner’s responsibility. The valve before the meter, and the curb stop in the front yard, belong to the city.
How much does it cost to fix a water meter leak?
This repair typically runs 250 to 300 dollars, covering shutting down the water, replacing the washers, and refilling and bleeding the system afterword.
Can a plumber shut off the curb stop valve in my yard?
Local plumbers usually have the tools to do it, but the City of London prefers their own water service operations staff to handle that specific valve.
About the Author
Aron Oretan is a Licensed Red Seal Plumber and Steamfitter, UA Certified Instructor, and founder of Triton Home Service. With 26 years in the trade, licences in plumbing, steamfitting, and gas fitting, and five years teaching at Fanshawe College, he brings classroom expertise and field experience to every job in London, Woodstock, St. Thomas, and Southwestern Ontario. Phone: 226-270-5177 | tritonservice.ca