Lexington has one of the oldest housing stocks in the area, and decades-old supply pipe is a frequent source of hidden leaks, damp crawl spaces and creeping water bills. A plumber can isolate sections of the system and listen for escaping water so the repair stays small. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Lexington.
Lexington's pipes and its utility
About two-thirds of Lexington homes were built before 1980, and around 14% predate 1940, with a median build year of 1969. Much of that housing sits in older neighborhoods like the Erlanger Mill Village and the Lexington Residential Historic District, where galvanized lines, early copper and original valves are still in service. Pipe that old tends to fail slowly, with pinholes and seeping joints rather than a sudden burst.
The City of Lexington runs its own utilities: water, sewer, electric and natural gas. Its water system has more than 192 miles of lines and over 10,000 meters, fed from Lake Thom-A-Lex. The city's 2025 water quality report says the City is responsible for removing lead pipes and residents share responsibility for their home plumbing, but it doesn't state where at the meter the split falls. A full service line inventory is posted online and available at City Centre, 200 N. State St., if you want to know what's on record for your address.
Where the leak is, and what that means
| Leak location | How it's usually found | Typical next step |
|---|---|---|
| Fixture or toilet | Dye test, visual check | Replace flapper, washer or valve |
| Pipe in a wall or crawl space | Isolating branches, moisture meter, listening | Cut out and replace the bad section |
| Line from meter to house | Meter test with house shutoff closed | Spot repair or a new service line |
| At the meter or in the street | Visible water near the box | Report to City of Lexington Water Resources |
Symptoms to watch for
- The meter keeps moving when the house is quiet
- Rust-tinted water from one tap, a hint that galvanized pipe on that branch is corroding
- Peeling paint or a stain spreading on plaster
- Soft, cupped hardwood near a bathroom
- Persistent dampness or a sour smell under the house
Seasonal notes
Cold snaps are hard on old pipe in vented crawl spaces, and a small crack may not drip until the line thaws, so check under the house after a freeze. Summer brings its own clue: a patch of lawn that stays green during dry weeks often marks a service line leak. If you're adding irrigation, note that the City requires backflow protection on all irrigation systems, including residential ones, with annual testing by a City-approved tester.
Permits for in-city plumbing work are handled through the City of Lexington's permitting office and its online portal.
Leak Detection questions in Lexington
Do plumbers handle gas leaks too?
Are hidden leaks more likely in older houses here?
How do I find out what my service line is made of?
Will a leak search leave big holes in my walls or floors?
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