Every Drop Counts: Fixing Leaks
When it comes to water leaks, every drop counts! Now more than ever it’s important to fix leaks in your home. It will not only help you save money, it will save water and ensure you are in compliance with the City’s water conservation restrictions for 2015.
Fixing worn washers in a faucet with a slow steady drip saves 350 gallons per month, and 2,000 gallons a month if the leak is a small stream. For toilets, an easy way to test for leaks is to put food coloring in the tank. Don't flush. Ten minutes later if you see color in the bowl, you have a leak. Faucet and toilet leaks may be easy to detect. But how can you tell if you have other leaks inside and outside your home?
Detecting Indoor Leaks
Your water meter can help you determine whether your water-using fixtures or inside plumbing have inconspicuous leaks. It’s the best place to begin your search. Here’s what you can do:
- Turn off all faucets and water-consuming appliances, including evaporative coolers and icemakers in refrigerators.
- Check the meter register for any movement of the numbers or the low-flow indicator and note the time.
- Check the meter register again after 15-30 minutes. Any movement indicates a leak.
Detecting Outdoor Leaks
Turn off your house valve (all indoor and outdoor water). Check the meter register for any movement as described above. Any movement indicates a leak between the water meter and your home. If you suspect you have a leak, be sure to contact a plumber. And if you don’t, remember to check for leaks periodically.
