Water leaks could have a negative effect on your monthly usage/billing. They could be caused by dripping faucets (inside or outside), ‘running’ toilets, leaking pipes, landscape irrigation systems that are failing, etc.
A Complete Meter Test – recommended to do test for a minimum of 30 minutes
- Make sure all water is turned off, inside and outside of the home. This includes all faucets, washing machine, dishwasher, ice maker, irrigation systems, etc.
- Once all water is off, find the water meter. It’s usually located in front of the house in a covered box near the street. Once the lid has been removed there will be one of two different types of meters:
- Analog – will see the numbers rotating. A possible leak may be indicated by a spinning ‘triangle’. The more water going through the meter the faster it will spin.
- Digital – a flashlight may need to be used to turn it on. A possible leak may be indicated by a faucet with water dripping.
- Write down the numbers indicated on the meter at the start of the test.
- Return to check the meter reading after at least 30 minutes have passed without running any water.
- If the numbers have not changed, you do not have a leak in your pressurized water system.
If the numbers have changed, some other things you can check to try and narrow down where the leak might be:
- Check the cabinets under the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom sinks to make sure they’re dry. Also look for puddles around the bases of tubs, toilets, showers and beneath the water heater, dishwasher, and washing machine.
- Dye test the toilet (one of the biggest culprits). Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank of every toilet in the house. If the toilet tank is leaking, color will appear in the bowl within ten minutes.
- If the house has a shut-off valve on the main water supply pipe, then turn it off and repeat steps 1-4. If the numbers have not changed the leak is inside the home. If the numbers have changed, the leak is in the water line between the meter and the shut-off valve.
If it’s determined there is a water leak, and it’s repaired in a timely manner, you may request a leak credit adjustment from the City. A maximum of two months credit adjustment is possible. Please review the specific terms of the ordinance below:
By Ordinance, the City Administrator/Recorder may grant an adjustment if the customer provides documentation that the leak was repaired in a timely manner. (A copy of a plumber’s bill, copy of a receipt for parts purchased & used in the repair, or a written and signed explanation of repair work done presented to City Hall will qualify.) The City, using past water consumption records for the account, for the same time period in previous years, shall determine the amount of usage applicable to the leak. The adjustment granted will be equal to 65% of the charges for the water usage applicable to the leak, or $20 minimum, whichever is higher.
*Remember to call for locate services at 811 before digging*