Water line locating in Laval before replacing a water service line

Why water service lines get replaced in Laval

The reasons vary: a leak, a frozen line, a home addition or an outdated material. Lead is one of them. According to the City, a house built before 1967 could have a lead service line (1). The City notably commits to replacing lead service lines on the municipal side in the event of a leak and to prioritizing the water mains that serve them (2). The private portion, however, remains the owner's responsibility.

What we locate

• The private water line, from the foundation to the shut-off valve
• Its estimated depth, useful for planning an excavation below the frost line
• The sewer connection, often parallel to the water service line
• The cables and gas line crossing the planned trench

Digging a smaller area

An accurate survey reduces the width of the trench and the landscaping to redo, such as an asphalt driveway, a hedge or a low wall. It also makes it possible to consider a less invasive method when the contractor proposes one, since they know the path and the obstacles.

Frequently asked questions

Is my water service line lead? If the house dates from before 1967, it is possible. The City recommends specific measures for affected households, such as a filter certified for lead reduction (1). A check in the basement, near the main shut-off valve, gives a first clue.

Can you locate a plastic line? Yes. Ground-penetrating radar detects non-metallic lines, with a reliability that depends on the soil and the depth, stated in the report.