Laying a new service line from the DeKalb meter to the house, by trench or by boring, and retiring the old pipe.
When to replace instead of repair
- The line is galvanized steel. DeKalb says these typically last 40 to 60 years.
- It has leaked before.
- Pressure is weak throughout the house.
- Water runs rusty after sitting overnight.
- The home predates 1960, when DeKalb says lead was still commonly used for service lines.
How the new line goes in
Trench. A narrow trench is dug from the meter pit to the house. Georgia's red clay holds a trench wall well, which makes this simple across open lawn.
Bore. Under a driveway, a brick walk or a big oak, a new line is pushed underground between two small pits. See trenchless replacement.
Most new lines are flexible plastic, which handles clay movement and has few joints.
What DeKalb does and does not do
When DeKalb replaces a water main on your street, its crews work on the county's pipe and the meter in the public right-of-way. Its 2026 notices state plainly that the pipe from the meter to the house is the property owner's and that residents should consider a professional plumber for corrective work on it.
Questions
Is a permit needed to replace my water line in Decatur?
Often, yes. Ask the provider to confirm and pull it.
What happens to the old pipe?
It is usually left in the ground, disconnected, to avoid extra digging.
Related
Sources: DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management service line ownership sheet, lead and copper FAQ and 2026 galvanized pipe notices; Atlanta News First, 15 January 2025; City of Decatur news release, 14 January 2025.
