Who to Call for a Water Leak In Your Lawn

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

If you are unsure who to call for a lawn water leak, start with a licensed plumber who can locate the source and repair it safely. If the leak is between your water meter and the municipal main, contact your water utility instead.

Plumbers diagnose irrigation system issues, main water line breaks, and sewer leaks. They handle digging, cutting, and sealing pipes and manage permits when required.

Benefits of Hiring a Plumber for a Water Leak in Your Lawn

Hiring a licensed plumber ensures accurate diagnostics and a correct fix the first time. These pros handle permits and quickly confirm whether the leak is in your irrigation system, main service line, or sewer line. Professional repairs help you avoid high water bills, lawn damage, and unnecessary water waste while keeping pests and weeds at bay.

• Locates the leak quickly with shutoff and meter tests to end guesswork and stop waste

• Confirms if irrigation, main water line, or sewer is involved before opening your yard

• Handles permits and compliance so outdoor plumbing work proceeds legally and safely

• Reduces water waste and high bills by stopping continuous leaks promptly and completely

• Prevents standing water that harms grass, encourages weeds, and attracts pests

• Digs, cuts, seals, and replaces outdoor piping with proper tools and techniques

• Safely manages sewer line issues and any hazardous waste situations

• Guides next steps if the meter test shows utility responsibility instead of yours

• Repairs sprinkler-specific problems, including faulty valves, without missing bigger issues

• Advises when full irrigation replacement is smarter due to extensive damage

If you’re dealing with a persistent or hard-to-find leak, you might want to consider a local plumber to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Can I Hire a Sprinkler Repair Company for a Water Leak in My Lawn?

Hire a sprinkler repair pro when you know the leak is in your irrigation system. If the source is unclear, hire a plumber first so you do not spend time and money fixing the wrong component. Sprinkler specialists focus on irrigation parts, while plumbers bring broader plumbing expertise and can address irrigation and non‑irrigation leaks. Keep up with annual sprinkler maintenance to help prevent clogs and leaks.

How Do Plumbers Fix a Lawn Water Leak?

Certified plumbers fix a lawn water leak by following these steps:

1. Shut off the water and check the meter to determine responsibility and pinpoint the leak

2. Identify the system: irrigation line, main water line, or sewer line

3. Plan the repair: dig for access, cut and seal pipes, replace damaged parts

4. Perform targeted fixes, such as swapping faulty irrigation valves or patching sections

5. Recommend full irrigation replacement if damage is extensive

6. Restore service, confirm no leaks, and protect disturbed lawn areas

Sprinkler lines sit four to 12 inches deep; water mains are one to three feet deep. If the meter stops after shutoff, the issue is on the utility’s side; if it keeps spinning, it is on yours.

How Much Does Fixing a Lawn Water Leak Cost?

Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour, and most homeowners spend $180 to $490 per service call. Simple irrigation fixes can cost as little as $13 for parts, excluding labor. If damage is severe, installing a new sprinkler system costs $1,670 to $3,550. Final price depends on the leak source, damage severity and scope, permit needs, site accessibility, and labor rates in your area.