Water Service Lines
Your Water Service and how Des Moines Water Works can help you.
Who is responsible?
Des Moines Water Works (DMWW): DMWW provides water to its customers and maintains the water mains required to deliver water to homes and businesses. DMWW also owns the water meter used to measure how much water a customer uses.
Property Owner: The property owner is responsible for the connection (tap) to the water main and the piping (service line) that carries the water from the water main to the water meter. The property owner is also responsible to protect and provide access to the water meter.
When a problem occurs, DMWW will assist the property owner in determining the cause of the problem and the appropriate course of action.
What is a stop box?
The stop box is used to turn the water service on and off to a property. It is usually located in the public right-of-way. Two types of stop boxes can be found in DMWW's service area, the Minneapolis and the Arch patterns. A drawing of the two styles can be found on the back side of this brochure.
DMWW requires that the stop box be operable at all times.
Who owns the stop box?
The property owner owns the stop box and is responsible for its maintenance.
How does the stop box operate?
To operate the stop box, a long key is placed inside the housing and lowered onto the valve to turn the water service on or off.
Why is the stop box operated?
DMWW operates the stop box to turn the water on or to turn the water off:
- when a customer requests a final bill
- for internal plumbing repairs
- when a service leak becomes hazardous
- when a customer fails to pay the bill
When does the stop box need to be repaired?
- when the stop box is too high or too low as the top of the stop box should be level with the ground
- when the stop box is located under concrete or asphalt and is not accessible
- when the valve does not operate
- when the housing becomes bent and the key cannot be lowered onto the valve
- when the rod is loose and does not connect to the valve
Who will make the repairs?
DMWW is not licensed to make plumbing repairs. The property owner will be notified by mail to have the repairs made. We recommend that a licensed plumber be hired to make the repairs. If the repairs are not made, DMWW will hire a plumber and bill the cost to the owner.
How much will it cost?
The cost will depend on the work required to make the repair.
What if my service line starts to leak?
Please call DMWW if you see water leaking. Our representative will assist in determining the location of the leak. Sometimes this is difficult because water follows the path of least resistance and does not always come to the surface near the leak. You will be notified to contact a licensed plumber to repair the leak.
What if my service line starts to leak and water is not coming to the surface?
During our routine survey of the water distribution system, leaks are sometimes found that do not come to the surface. Once DMWW determines the location of the leak, you will be notified to contact a licensed plumber to repair the leak.
Who is responsible for the water meter?
The water meter is owned by DMWW. It is usually located in the basement or in a pit. The property owner is responsible for protecting the meter from freezing temperatures and providing access to the meter and meter reading system.
How DMWW can help:
If you have a high water bill and do not know why, call DMWW. A representative will come to your home to assist in determining the cause. In most cases, high water usage is caused by a leaking faucet or toilet.
We recommend that you make these repairs to reduce the wasted consumption on your monthly bill.
If you need assistance, please call 283-8771.
Minneapolis pattern Arch pattern