When a service pipe leaks, it is essential that it be fixed promptly and correctly. The results of a water service pipe leak can be destructive as well as pose health risks. BWSC refers to a water service pipe leak that occurs on private property, which is the owner’s responsibility to repair, as a leak up to the owner, or LUTO.

The Program

Under the LUTO Program, eligible property owners can contract BWSC to have a water service pipe leak on their property repaired at a reasonable cost. BWSC recommends property owners obtain price quotes from private contractors before hiring BWSC or another contractor. BWSC will allow property owners to pay the cost of the work in one payment or 24 equal installments incorporated into their water and sewer bill if BWSC is contracted to perform the repair. A typical LUTO repair involves minor excavation and is generally completed in one day.

Benefits

Eligible property owners who participate in the LUTO Program will have their water service pipe replaced by BWSC at a reasonable cost and enjoy the option of spreading the payments out over 24 installments.

Eligibility

Property owners are eligible to participate in the LUTO Program if all of the following conditions are met:

  • The property is a one- to three-family residential building
  • The property is served by a two-inch or smaller water service pipe
  • The water and sewer account for the property is active and not delinquent
  • The homeowner agrees to have the work done by BWSC
  • The work presents no extraordinary physical or other obstacles; for example, BWSC will not make a repair that requires removal of a porch, stairs, wall, fence, or shrubs

BWSC reserves the right to determine the eligibility of a property under the LUTO Program.

How to Apply

To apply for the program, or if you would like more information, contact Operations at 617-989-7900.

Regulations

BWSC’s Billing Termination and Appeal regulations state that a customer who has a leak on his or her water service pipe, or LUTO, has 15 days in which to repair it or the water service will be terminated. In the case of customer plumbing emergencies such as severe icing, immediate damage to property, or extreme loss of water, BWSC reserves the right to terminate service immediately.

Participation in the LUTO Program allows property owners to have repairs completed quickly and efficiently by BWSC, thereby reducing the amount of time a home may be out of water service.

Whether the property owner participates in the LUTO Program or not, BWSC will inspect the completed repair, take a meter reading, tag and seal the meter, and install a remote meter reading device at no cost to the property owner.

Any private contractors working on a service pipe must always obtain GSA permits from BWSC before construction or repair begins.

Additional Resources

For other information regarding services provided by BWSC, please contact the Community Services Department at 617-989-7995.

Leak Up To Owner Brochure