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1. What is a water service lateral?

The water service lateral is an underground pipe that is part of your home’s plumbing. It is the pipe that runs from the County’s water supply into the home or business. For residences, this pipe is usually 1" in size and runs from the home to the meter barrel where the water meter is installed. If you own your home, you also own your lateral from the end of your home’s internal plumbing to the connection with Spotsylvania County’s water distribution system. Your water service lateral is generally referred to as a private line or pipe.  You are responsible for maintaining your lateral, just like other pipes in your home.

2. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the private water service lateral?

The property owner is responsible for all maintenance, operation, cleaning, repair, and reconstruction of the private water service lateral from the building/house to the point of connection with the homeowner’s side of the water meter. 

 

3. I need to find my water service lateral, shut-off valve, and my pressure regulator. Can Spotsylvania County Utilities locate them for me?

Spotsylvania County Utilities does not have any information about the plumbing to your home or inside your home. We do not have records with regard to how your plumbing lines are run, where your shutoff valve is, or where your pressure regulator might be. We did not install it and do not govern the plumbing code in Spotsylvania County. 

Please keep in mind, if you call Virginia 811, the County’s infrastructure, as well as other utility companies’ lines, will be marked.  No private lines are marked. 

4. I have questions about my own plumbing or I want to check out what my plumber is telling me. Can Spotsylvania County Utilities answer my plumbing questions?

Spotsylvania County Utilities' personnel are not plumbers and can not answer plumbing questions. It is advised that you contact someone that knows about plumbing or plumbing professional. You may also find it helpful to visit Adopted Codes for Spotsylvania County.