Had a soggy patch in the yard for months and figured it was just bad drainage. Turned out to be the water line. They traced it in under an hour and didn't tear up the whole lawn to fix it.
Riley T.
Byron, London, ON
Main Water Line Repair & Replacement in London, ON
From a hairline leak to a full lead-line replacement, Nova Drain & Plumbing Services London diagnoses the problem fast and repairs it with the least possible digging — trenchless where we can, traditional where we must.
Signs You Need Main Water Line Repair
The main water line runs underground from the municipal connection to your home, so problems often go unnoticed until they're serious. Nova Drain & Plumbing Services London helps homeowners and businesses catch main line issues early — before a slow leak becomes a washed-out lawn or a burst pipe. If you're searching for main water line repair near me, watch for these warning signs:
Sudden drop in water pressure
Weak flow at every fixture in the house — not just one tap — usually points to the supply line itself, not a local blockage.
Discoloured or rusty water
Brown or yellow water, especially right after the tap has been off, is a common sign of an aging galvanized or lead service line.
Unexplained spike in your water bill
A leaking main line can lose hundreds of litres a day underground, long before it ever reaches the surface.
Soggy patch or sinkhole in the yard
A wet, sunken, or unusually green area with no obvious source — even during dry weather — often means water is escaping below ground.
The sound of running water when nothing is on
A faint hiss or trickle near your water meter or shut-off valve can indicate a hidden leak upstream of the house.
Not Sure? Ask an Expert.
If you've noticed two or more of these signs, don't wait for a full break. As a licensed main water line repair team near you, we can locate the problem and walk you through your repair options — same-day, if needed.
(226) 756-1274Trenchless vs. Traditional Replacement
Not every job needs a full excavation. Whether you need trenchless water line replacement near you or a traditional dig, we'll recommend the method that gets the job done with the least disruption to your property.
Recommended when possible
Trenchless Replacement
Using directional drilling, we pull a new line through the ground via two small access points — one near the curb, one near the house. Your driveway, walkway, and landscaping stay intact.
- Minimal digging, faster cleanup
- Usually completed in a single day
- Ideal for paved driveways or mature landscaping
When trenchless isn't possible
Traditional Excavation
Some situations — sharp bends, collapsed sections, or lines running under a structure — call for open-trench digging. We excavate only what's necessary and restore the area when we're done.
- Full visual access to the entire line
- Necessary for severely collapsed or misaligned pipe
- We restore soil, sod, and hardscaping afterward
Who's Responsible for Your Water Line?
In London, Ontario, responsibility for the water service line is split at a specific point. Knowing where your responsibility begins can save you time — and help you avoid an unnecessary call to the City.
1
Municipal Watermain
Runs beneath the street. Owned and maintained entirely by the City of London.
2
The Curb Stop
The shut-off valve near the property line. This is the dividing point — City on one side, homeowner on the other.
3
Your Service Line
From the curb stop to your home — including the pipe under your lawn and driveway — is the homeowner's responsibility.
Not sure which side a leak is on? We can trace and pressure-test your line to confirm before any work begins — so you're never paying to fix something that isn't yours to fix.
What Causes a Main Line to Fail?
Most main water line problems in London homes come down to a handful of common causes — several of them tied directly to the age and material of the original installation.
Tree Root Intrusion
Common in London's older, tree-lined neighbourhoods. Roots find tiny cracks and gradually force pipes apart.
Corrosion & Aging Pipe
Galvanized steel and lead service lines, common in homes built before the 1960s, corrode and narrow from the inside out.
Ground Shift & Frost
London's freeze-thaw winters shift soil and put stress on joints, especially on shallow or older installations.
Simple Age
Most service lines are rated for 50–75 years. If your home is older than that, the line likely is too.
Our Repair & Replacement Process
1
Locate & Diagnose
Camera and pressure testing to pinpoint the exact issue.
2
Confirm Responsibility
We confirm whether the leak is on your side of the curb stop.
3
Written Quote
Upfront pricing covering trenchless and traditional options.
4
Repair or Replace
Work completed with the least disruption to your property.
5
Pressure Test & Restore
Final testing, then backfill and site cleanup.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Book a camera inspection and get a clear, written plan before any digging begins.
Trenchless vs. Traditional at a Glance
A quick side-by-side to help you understand what we'll recommend and why.
| Method | Digging Required | Typical Timeline | Best For | Landscape Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trenchless (Directional Drilling) | Two small access points | Often 1 day | Straight, accessible runs | Minimal |
| Traditional Excavation | Open trench, full length | 1–3 days | Collapsed pipe, sharp bends | Higher, we restore after |
We'll always recommend the least invasive method that actually solves the problem — not the most profitable one.
Nova Drain & Plumbing Services London - F&Q
Is there a main water line repair company near me in London, Ontario?
Yes — Nova Drain & Plumbing Services London is based locally and serves homeowners and businesses throughout London, Ontario. When you search for main water line repair near me, our team is close by and ready to respond quickly.
Who is responsible for replacing the main water shut-off valve?
In London, Ontario, the curb stop valve marks the dividing line: the City owns and maintains everything from the watermain to the curb stop, while the homeowner is responsible for the line — and any valve — from the curb stop to the house.
How much does main water line replacement cost?
Cost depends on the length of the run, the depth, the method used (trenchless vs. traditional), and what's above the line — driveway, garden bed, or open lawn. We provide a written quote after a camera inspection, so you know the exact cost before any work begins.
How long does a main water line replacement take?
A trenchless replacement is often completed in a single day. Traditional excavation, which requires opening a full trench, typically takes one to three days depending on length and site conditions.
Do I need a permit to replace my water service line in London?
Yes, water service line work typically requires a permit from the City of London, along with coordination for any work near the municipal watermain. We handle the permit application and inspection scheduling as part of the job.
Is a leaking main water line covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by policy and provider — some plans include a service line endorsement, others don't cover underground lines at all. We can provide a detailed invoice and photos to support a claim, but recommend checking directly with your insurer before work begins.
Can you repair a small leak without replacing the whole line?
In some cases, yes — a localized leak on an otherwise sound line can sometimes be spot-repaired. If the pipe is old galvanized or lead, though, we'll usually recommend full replacement, since one leak is often a sign the rest of the line isn't far behind.
What if my home still has a lead water line?
Many homes in London's older neighbourhoods still have original lead service lines. We can confirm the material during inspection and walk you through replacement options — often eligible for municipal lead-line replacement programs.
Do you offer emergency main line repair?
Yes. A burst or actively leaking main line can't wait, so we offer same-day emergency response to shut off the supply, assess the damage, and get repair underway as quickly as possible.
Customer Reviews
Fast, upfront pricing, and they actually explained the curb stop thing so I understood who was responsible for what before any work started.
Devon M.
Old South, London, ON
Quoted fair, showed up on time, job done in a day. No surprises.
Priya K.
Stoneybrook, London, ON
Our water bill jumped almost double and we had no idea why. They found a small leak in the main line and had it swapped out before the weekend.
Marcus T.
Riverbend, London, ON
Areas We Serve In London
Downtown
London
Old North
Masonville
Hyde Park
Byron
Oakridge
Westmount
Wortley
Village
White Oaks
Summerside
Argyle
Stoneybrook