Water Leaks

Save Money

Assuming there are no leaks in your house can cost you money.

The city would like to offer the following tips and encourage all customers to monitor their homes for possible water leaks. Leaks not only waste water; they cost you money.

First Sign

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 (extra people in the house, lawn watering, faucet left on, etc) there is a possibility that a toilet is leaking, a faucet is dripping, or there is a break in the water line between the meter and the house. Other sources of leaks can be the sprinkler system, the water softener, or the automatic fill on the swimming pool.

Monitor Your Meter

To identify leaks, we suggest that you monitor your meter. You will need to conduct the monitoring during a time period when you will not be using water. Monitoring while no one is home is ideal. First, 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

If a leak is detected, we recommend that you check your toilets first. Our experience shows that most leaks occur in the toilet. A leaking toilet tank can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day and cost you 46 cents per day, $13.80 per month!

A toilet flapper hung partially open can waste up to 1,666 gallons of water per day and cost you $3.87 per day, $116.10 per month!

To check for a leaking toilet you will need some food coloring (any color). 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 there is a leak that
will need to be repaired.

Water Faucets

Water faucets, inside and outside of the house, can also be leaking. One hundred drips per minute can waste up to 33 gallons per day. That's 8 cents per day, $2.40 per month, and $28.80 per year! In most cases, a leaking faucet is caused by a worn washer or "O" ring. Look around the yard.

If there is a leak in the water line there will be a spot in the yard that never dries up. This could indicate that the water line below needs to be replaced.

Sprinkler Systems

If you have a sprinkler system, turn on the system and check each sprinkler head and make sure that it is working properly. Also trace the sprinkler line to make sure there is not a leak between sprinkler heads.

Water Softeners & Swimming Pools

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

Remember, it is your responsibility to make sure all leaks are repaired in a timely manner. The city is responsible for the main water line and the meter itself. Leaks on the city's line do not affect the charges on your water bill.