How to check for water leaks?
A water bill higher than normal could be the result of a leak! Sometimes, these leaks are not visible and difficult to identify.
If you have reason to believe that you may have a leak that is hidden from view, here are some things you could do to help determine the possible location:
- Turn-off all water use in your house such as washing machines, evaporative coolers, even icemakers if possible.
- Also, make sure that irrigation or sprinkler valves are shut-off.
- Check to see if the leak indicator on your water meter is moving, (that is the small triangle that is located on face of the meter) this will show small leaks, the ones that don’t show on the surface usually.
- If the triangle indicator is moving very slowly you may have a leak.
- To help you somewhat locate the area of the leak; normally there is a main valve where the water goes into house,(maybe by the hot water heater).
- Shut that valve off and check the leak indicator again, if the movement has stopped, the leak is probably outside in the line before it reaches the house.
- Check the area of the service pipe coming from your meter, and any outside faucets or irrigation that you may have a valve on.
- Look for damp dirt and/or green vegetation that appear unusual on your property.
- If you have reason to believe that you may have a leak that is hidden from view, here are some things you could do to help determine the possible location.
- Turn-off all water use in your house such as washing machines, evaporative coolers, even icemakers if possible.
- Also, make sure that irrigation or sprinkler valves are shut-off.
- Check to see if the leak indicator on your water meter is moving, (that is the small triangle that is located on face of the meter) this will show small leaks, the ones that don’t show on the surface usually.
- If the triangle indicator is moving very slowly you may have a leak.
- To help you somewhat locate the area of the leak; normally
- there is a main valve where the water goes into house, (maybe by the hot water heater).
- Shut that valve off and check the leak indicator again, if the movement has stopped, the leak is probably outside in the line before it reaches the house.
- Check the area of the service pipe coming from your meter, and any outside faucets or irrigation that you may have a valve on.
- Look for damp dirt and/or green vegetation that appear unusual on your property.