First Sign of a Leak

One of the first indications of a water leak is an unexplained increase in the usage amount and dollar amount on your monthly water bill. If there is an increase in usage that cannot be explained otherwise, there is a possibility that you have a water leak.

Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure leaks are repaired. The City is responsible for leaks in the main water line and in the meter itself. Leaks on the City's line are not reflected on your water bill.

Monitor Your Meter

To identify leaks, try monitoring your water meter. Be sure to conduct the monitoring when you will not be using any water. Monitoring while no one is home is ideal.

Turn off all water inside and outside the house. Write down the reading on the meter and the position of the sweep hand. Do not use any water for at least two hours. At the end on the monitoring period, read the meter a second time. If the second reading is different from the first, water flowed through the meter, indicating there may be a leak.

Check Toilets First

Check your toilets first as they are most often the cause of leaks. A leaking toilet tank can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, and a toilet flapper hung partially open can waste up to 1,600 gallons of water per day.

To check your toilet for leaks, use food coloring. Flush the toilet. Then put enough coloring in the tank to color the water. Do not flush the toilet for at least an hour. If the water in the bowl of the toilet becomes colored, your toilet has a leak.

Water Faucets

Water faucets, inside or outside the house, are also prone to leaks. One drip per second can waste 600 gallons per month.

In most cases, a leaking faucet is caused by a worn washer or "O" ring. Look around the yard. If there is a spot in the yard that is always wet, there may be a leak in the water line.

Sprinkler Systems

If you have a sprinkler system, turn it on and check each sprinkler head to ensure it is working properly. Trace the sprinkler line to make sure there are no leaks between sprinkler heads.

Water Softeners and Swimming Pools

Water softeners and swimming pools with an automatic fill device are other possible sources of leaks.