Water Leaks

Water Leaks

Water leaks can cause water bills to rise dramatically. Small leaks typically turn into larger leaks and higher bills if not fixed in a timely manner. The District only allows a water bill leak adjustment once every five years – see form Application for Leak Adjustment Credit.

Do you have a leak?

To determine if you have a leak, you will need to locate your water meter box usually out by the street. Once the box is located, read the meter and write down the read. Do not use ANY water for one to two hours and then read the meter again. If the meter has changed, you may have a leak. Leaks may sometimes be sporadic so this process may need to be repeated.

What to do if you have a leak?

If you have a leak, try to determine if it the leak is located between the house and the meter, in the sprinkler system or in the house itself. To determine if it is in between the house and the meter, turn off your main water valve for the house. If the meter is still spinning, the leak may between the house and the meter. To determine if the leak is in the sprinkler system, turn on the irrigation master valve. If the meter spins, you may have a leak in your sprinkler system. If both of these tests result in the meter not spinning, you may have a leak in your house. Some possible areas to check for leaks are shown below.

Potential Areas to Check for Leaks

Indoor:

• Toilet Tanks – you can place dye in the toilet tank to discover such a leak. Dye pills are available at the District office.
• Faulty Toilet Fill Valves
• Bad Toilet Flapper
• Leaking Sink and Appliance Hoses
• Leaking Faucets

Outdoor:

• Leaking Hose Bibs
• Frozen Pipes
• Broken Under House
• Puddles of Water
• Faulty Sprinkler System Timers
• Broken Sprinkler Heads

If you are unable to locate or repair the leak yourself, you may call a leak detection service to try to locate the leak. A plumber can be called to repair the leak. The District is unable to provide referrals.

Related Topics

• Application Form for Leak Adjustment Credit
• Conservation