All service installations connected to the water system that have been abandoned or, for any reason, have become useless for further service shall be disconnected at the main. The owner of the premises shall pay the cost of the excavation, but the city shall perform the actual disconnection. All pipe and appurtenances removed from the street right-of-way shall become the property of the city. When new buildings are erected on the site of old ones, and a larger service line is desired, a new permit shall be obtained and a tapping charge paid. It is unlawful for any person to cause or allow any service pipe to be hammered or squeezed together at the ends to stop the flow of water or to otherwise improperly disconnect a service pipe from the main. Any improper disconnection shall be corrected by the city and the cost incurred shall be borne by the person who caused or allowed the improper disconnection to be made.
(1998 Code, § 3.20, Subd. 3)