Checking for Water Leaks

Once you know how to read your water meter, it's time to put that knowledge to work for you. Finding water leaks can save you water, which means you save money on your water and sewer bills. Also, you can figure out how much various appliances are using.

STEP 1

For leak detection, turn all water-using appliances off so that no water is being used anywhere in the house. Then check the position of the meter dial and wait. If after 15 minutes, the dials haven't moved, congratulations! You have a relatively water-tight home. But, if the dials have moved, start checking hose connections, faucets and the toilets for water leaks. If you have everything turned off and are sure the toilets and connections aren't leaking and yet the dials are still turning, you may have a hidden leak in an underground pipe. If you believe this is the case, you may need to call a plumber for assistance.

STEP 2: FAUCETS

First, make sure all family members turn off faucets firmly when they're through running water. Be sure to check seldom used faucets in the basement. Put a colored tissue or piece of paper below each faucet over night to check for leaks the next morning. Check all the faucets twice a year for leaks. Leaks are commonly caused by worn washers or "O" rings in washer-less faucets.

STEP 3: TOILETS

Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks and it's not uncommon to lose up to 100 gallons a day from one of these invisible leaks! Leaks occur when the toilet is out of adjustment or when parts are worn, so it's important to check it regularly.

Be alert to the sound of water running, (a hissing sound):

• Quiet Hiss: you have to put your ear to the stool
• Hiss: you can hear standing next to the stool

If you still hear water running long after flushing, there's something wrong.

Most leaks are at the overflow pipe or plunger-ball:
If it's at the overflow, the water level is usually too high, although sometimes the overflow pipe gets a leak below the water line. Gently bend the float arm down so the valve shuts off the water about a half-inch below the top of the overflow pipe. Sometimes that valve is worn and will run like a leaky faucet and needs to be replaced.

Plunger-ball leaks aren't as easy to spot:
The best way to check for a plunger-ball leak is to drop a little food coloring into the tank without flushing and wait for 15 minutes to see if the color shows up in the bowl. If it does, you probably have a leak, either because the ball needs replacing or the mechanism is out of alignment.

STEP 4: REPAIRING LEAKS

Simple repairs can be fixed by an experienced handyperson. If you are not familiar with these repairs, contact a plumber.

If you find no leaks in the house and your meter is still running there could also be a leak between the meter and the house.

Please Note: The water Division is not permitted to do any work on private property; therefore, the homeowner or a plumber must resolve any problem between the meter and the house.