Protecting Your Chattanooga Home: How to Spot and Fix Hidden Water Line Leaks

Plumbing • Chattanooga • Plumbing in Chattanooga

The Customer’s Dilemma
A homeowner in [Chattanooga] noticed surprisingly high water usage on their meter, even though all taps were off inside. Suspecting a hidden leak somewhere along the long service pipe—from the meter to the house, over 75 feet—the homeowner reached out for a reliable replacement quote that would leave their yard and sidewalk intact.

Assessing the Situation

A HEP technician arrived to locate the leak and plan a minimally invasive repair. Rather than cutting through the concrete sidewalk, the team chose a tunnel-under method: digging small shafts on both sides and pushing the new line through beneath the pavement.

Trench with new white PVC pipe under concrete sidewalk

After mapping the route—navigating around shrubs and obstacles—the HEP technician recommended installing approximately 65 feet of durable PEX tubing, along with a new pressure regulator and shut-off valve for added protection.

Implementation and Installation

On installation day, the HEP technician carefully dug a straight trench from the meter to the foundation. New 3/4″ PEX pipe was laid, connected to a secure shut-off valve inside a valve box, and tied into a frost-proof yard hydrant for reliable outdoor water access.

Installing a new shut-off valve and outdoor faucet

Each connection was pressure-tested to ensure a perfect seal. Once approved, the crew backfilled the trench, compacted the soil, and reseeded the lawn—restoring the landscape to its original look with no visible signs of work.

Valve box, hydrant, and piping neatly installed

Key Takeaways and Tips for Homeowners

Monitor your meter: If it spins with everything off, you could have an underground leak.
Plan for winter: A frost-proof hydrant helps prevent freeze damage and costly repairs.
Protect hardscapes: Tunneling under sidewalks avoids unsightly cuts and preserves curb appeal.
Keep access clear: Ensure meter boxes and clean-outs aren’t buried under debris for quick inspections.
Choose quality materials: Look for warranties—HEP offers 20 years on pipe and one year on labor.

Freshly laid PEX line in trench, ready for backfilling

By teaming up with a knowledgeable HEP technician and following these simple steps, Chattanooga homeowners can avoid surprise water bills, protect their property, and enjoy a worry-free water supply for years to come. For expert Plumbing in Chattanooga, give us a call—your lawn (and wallet) will thank you.

Published on September 30, 2025