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Customer
Service
Leaks
Your
Bill | Your Meter | Moving
| Pressure
Automatic Payment Program | Washing
Machine Rebate Program
You may
have a leak!
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A
step-by-step guide to help you identify the problem |
How
did I get that leak?
The
most common leaks in the household result from worn out parts in faucets,
showerheads and toilets. Most repairs can be done by do-it-yourselfers
with minimal difficulty. You can also have the work done by a professional.
This
guide will help you determine which part of your water system may
have leaks. You should repair leaks as soon as possible. Even a small
drip can waste 20 gallons a day or more!
How
do I check for leaks?
- Make
sure no water is being used inside or outside the house.
- Locate
your water meter. The meter is usually located in an underground box
on a property corner or line. Your meter can usually be identified
by matching the meter number on your bill with the number stamped
on the meter lid or the meter body.
- Record
the meter reading and wait 1-2 hours. Do not use any water during
this time. (Some meters have a small star, triangle or red indicator
needle, often referred to as a leak detector. This should not be moving
when water is not being used.
- Read
the meter again. If the reading has changed, you may have a leak.
- Next,
you will want to identify whether or not the potential problem is
in the service line (from meter to house), in the house, or possibly
in the irrigation system. Shut off your house master valve and verify
that the valve is working properly by opening another fixture in the
house. The master valve is where the water enters the house, and is
often located in your garage. If you have an irrigation system, shut
off the main valve and verify that it is working properly.
- At this
time repeat steps #1 through #4.
- If the
reading has changed, it may indicate the possible leak is between
the meter and master valve. If the reading has remained the same,
it may indicate the possible leak is in the house, past the master
valve.
- If the
meter reading or dial position has not changed after completing steps
5 through 7, the possible leak may be associated with your irrigation
system. Have someone watch your meter while you turn the irrigation
system on at the irrigation master valve. If the dial starts spinning,
this may indicate the leak is in that system.
A
break in an irrigation zone line may not cause the meter to spin
at this time. Further investigation may be required to determine
if a broken zone line is the cause of a high bill.
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