Watermains and valves
Learn more about watermain flushing, how to report a watermain break, where the water valve is located on your property, and approval requirements for watermain alteration.
On this page
- Watermain flushing program
- Reporting a watermain break
- Locating a water valve on your property
- Tips for valves on driveways
- Learn about our fire hydrant regulations
- Utilities locates terms and conditions
- Apply to alter watermain, stormwater or wastewater infrastructure
Watermain flushing program
Over time iron and other minerals settle in watermains (large pipes that carry water underground) which may cause discoloured water to flow into your home.
Our cleaning program improves water quality by flushing pipes with fresh water. No chemicals are used but you may notice water looks different as minerals are discharged. Visit our water quality page for tips on clearing discoloured water.
For questions about watermain flushing, contact our service centre during business hours.
Reporting a watermain break
Watermain breaks are caused by extreme weather, freeze/thaw cycles and old age. Signs of a problem include water pooling or flowing above ground or reduced water pressure in your home.
If you suspect a break, contact us immediately at 519-886-2310.
Locating a water valve on your property
Every property has a water valve access point (also known as a shut-off valve). It is usually found in a front yard or driveway. The valve is the only way to turn off water supply for maintenance or valve replacement.
If the valve is not visible, crews may need to dig up your driveway to locate it. They will repair the area but will not replace or match the entire driveway.
Tips for valves on driveways
Before you do substantial work replacing or renovating your driveway two weeks prior to starting work:
- request a free valve inspection at 519-886-2310
- contact Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to locate utilities
- if your work is impacted by infrastructure it will be marked by paint, flags or stakes
- ensure your contractor doesn't pave or cover over the valve when doing work
- you will be notified by email when you locate is complete, downloadable maps/sketches are available for 30 days
- before starting any large scale project, ensure you have all your permits - check with our building division
View the video below to learn why it is important to have your water shut-off valve located before finishing your driveway.
Fire hydrant regulations
Hydrants are inspected annually to ensure they work properly in emergencies. Based on the Ontario Fire Code Regulation 388/97, all fire hydrants in the city must be kept clear and unobstructed at all times.
If you have a fire hydrant on your property, it is your responsibility to ensure:
- the hydrant is visible and accessible at all times
- the hydrant has at least 1.2 meters of space around it at all times
- there's no snow, trees or any other vegetation preventing it's use
Utilities locates terms and conditions
Standard terms that apply to locates in Waterloo:
- underground city's infrastructure must be supported at all times
- if delays past two weeks should occur on the locate information, a new locate must be obtained
- no digging, boring, trenching, grading, excavating or breaking ground with mechanical equipment or explosives without making sure the location of any pipeline may be interfered with
- excavators must not work outside the area originally located without a further locate
- if excavation is necessary near underground utilities, extreme caution must be taken and the underground utilities shall be exposed by hand digging within one meter of the location
- if underground infrastructure is exposed over a distance of more than 1.25 metres, you must notify the city
- locates are only valid for 60 days, then you must reapply
Apply to alter watermain, stormwater or wastewater infrastructure
View the water utilities alterations page to apply to alter water infrastructure.