Leak Detection
Plumbing Tips
Leaks are often the culprit for an unexplained increase in consumption, and toilet leaks are the most common. A toilet can waste thousands of gallons of water in a single billing period. Repairing a toilet leak is usually easy and relatively inexpensive to repair.
Another common type of leak is a "leaky" faucet, either inside your home or at an outside faucet.
Leak Detection
To check for a toilet leak, remove the top of the tank behind the bowl and place 3-4 drops of food coloring in the tank water. Wait one (1) hour without flushing. Check the water in the toilet bowl, and if the bowl water has been colored with the food coloring, then the toilet is leaking water from the tank. This type of leak is usually easy to repair by replacing the flapper assembly. If this does not repair the issue, then we recommend consulting a plumber.
In order to determine if you have a water leak, read your water meter. Write the reading down. Wait one (1) hour, then read your water meter again. If any of the numbers on the meter have changed, a leak is highly possible. There is also a red leak indicator on most meters, either triangular or round disc located in the left hand corner. If the leak indicator is turning with no water consumption, a leak is highly possible. If there is a cut-off valve at the home, turn off the cut-off valve, then check to see if the meter is still turning. If so, it is highly possible that a leak is in your water line. If it is not turning, it is highly possible that a leak is somewhere in the home.
How to Turn Off Your Water Meter
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Locate your water meter. Generally, it is located near the property line at the road.
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Lift the cover off of the meter and locate the dial inside the box.
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Locate the cut off valve directly behind the dial.
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With a meter key (or adjustable wrench and screw driver), turn the cut off valve clockwise to turn the water meter off. Turn the cut off valve counterclockwise to turn the water meter back on.
Water costs money...don't waste it!
A dripping faucet or fixture can waste 3 gallons a day...
a total of 1095 gallons a year.
Conserve water and save money!
The following PDF's provide useful information with determining a leak and calculating average household usage:
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