Signs of a hidden leak
- A water bill noticeably higher than the same month last year
- The water meter dial moving when every fixture in the house is off
- Stains, bubbling paint or soft drywall on ceilings and walls
- A musty smell or damp floor in a crawlspace or basement
- A wet patch in the yard between the meter and the house when it hasn't rained
The meter test is the quickest check: turn everything off, note the dial, wait 30 minutes without using water, and look again.
Frozen and burst pipes
Roanoke gets enough hard freezes for pipes in crawlspaces, exterior walls and garages to freeze most winters. A frozen pipe often doesn't leak until it thaws, which is why burst pipes are so often discovered the morning after a cold night.
- Frozen, not leaking: open the faucet, warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer, and keep cabinet doors open to let house heat in.
- Split or leaking: close the main shutoff and call. See the emergency steps.
- Prevention: disconnect hoses in the fall, use frost-free hose bibs, insulate crawlspace lines and seal vents near pipes.
Water service lines and re-pipes
The service line runs from the meter to the house. Older homes may have galvanized steel or even lead service lines. The Western Virginia Water Authority keeps a service line inventory you can check for your address. Replacing the private side of the line, or re-piping galvanized supply lines inside the house, are common jobs in older Roanoke neighborhoods.
Replacement of water piping requires a permit in the City of Roanoke, according to the city's Business Owner's Guide. As local reference points, city permit reports show a water line replacement at $3,695 and a whole-house re-pipe at $11,750 (2018, 2022).
| Job (from City of Roanoke permit records) | Declared job value |
|---|---|
| Gas water heater replacement | $1,095 – $1,959 |
| Water service line replacement | $3,695 |
| Sewer line replacement | $5,477 |
| Whole-house re-pipe | $11,750 |
Values contractors declared on permits in the City of Roanoke's weekly permit reports for April 2018 and July 2022. They are examples of real local jobs, not quotes; your price depends on the job.
Small repairs don't need a permit
Under the city's building maintenance guidance, replacing a fixture or part with a like item is treated as ordinary repair. A dripping faucet, a running toilet or a failed shutoff valve is usually a quick visit.
Common questions
Can you find a leak inside a wall without tearing it open?
Many plumbers use moisture meters, thermal cameras or acoustic leak detection to narrow the spot down so only a small opening is needed. Ask what detection tools the plumber uses.
PEX or copper?
Both are approved. PEX is faster to install and resists freeze damage better; copper is durable and familiar. Your contractor can explain the trade-offs for your house.
Is my service line lead?
Check the Water Authority's service line inventory. A plumber can also confirm the material where the line enters the house.