In Coronado, a hidden leak usually shows up as a higher California American Water bill, a meter that keeps moving with the house shut off, or corrosion and drips at fittings exposed to salt air. A plumber can isolate and test the system to find the loss with minimal disruption. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Coronado.
Coronado at a glance
Coronado's water comes from California American Water under a contract with the city, and Cal Am buys treated, chloraminated water from the City of San Diego. Cal Am reports no lead service lines in its distribution systems, including customer-owned lines. The City of Coronado runs the sewer, and owners are responsible for the sewer lateral up to and including the connection to the city main. Island living adds salt air, which is hard on hose bibs, exposed copper and outdoor equipment. Cal Am also requires irrigation and fire sprinkler systems to have an approved backflow device directly behind the meter, tested every year, and a failing assembly can leak steadily into a planter or the sidewalk strip. Hardness at the City of San Diego plants that supply Cal Am runs about 8.5 to 16.4 grains per gallon, enough to scale up toilet and faucet parts over time.
What to do now
- Shut off all fixtures, appliances and irrigation, then read the water meter.
- Wait 30 to 60 minutes without using water and read it again.
- If the meter moved, close the toilet supply valves and test again to rule toilets in or out.
- Check outdoor fittings, the water heater and any visible pipe for crust, rust or drips.
- If water is coming up near the meter or in the street, call Cal Am at (888) 237-1333.
- Close the main shutoff only if water is spreading inside the house.
Symptoms and what they suggest
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Meter moves with all fixtures off | Hidden supply leak, toilet or irrigation |
| Green crust on outdoor copper or a hose bib | Salt-air corrosion and a slow drip |
| Warm floor in one area | Hot water line leaking under the slab |
| Water near an irrigation backflow device | Leaking or failed assembly |
| Slow drains, odor or a wet spot along the front yard | Sewer lateral problem, the owner's responsibility |
Cost factors
- How long it takes to locate the leak and what equipment is needed
- Whether the fix is a single fitting, a section of pipe or a re-pipe
- Corroded exterior parts that should be replaced at the same time
- Permits: Coronado's Building Services Division issues over-the-counter emailed permits for gas line repairs and residential interior re-pipes
- Repairs to the sewer lateral, if the problem is wastewater rather than supply
Leak Detection questions in Coronado
Does salt air near the beach cause outdoor plumbing leaks?
What if the leak seems to be in the sewer line rather than the water line?
Does repairing a leak require a permit?
Is a leak between the meter and the house my problem or the water agency's?
More plumbing services in Coronado
Leak Detection nearby
Sources
Last updated: