Water Leaks can be costly
Water Leaks can be costly, as you can see in the image of water loss above. Finding water leaks can save you water, which means saving money on water bills!
This list of plumbing devices to inspect may help you find your leak:
RUNNING TOILETS do not always make noise, so here are some tips to check:
NOTE: When locating or repairing a leak, it may be necessary for you to turn your water off. Your shut-off valve should be located 18 to 20 inches from the meter in either concrete boxes or a black ABS tube. This is where you can turn your water off yourself with a 3-5 foot water “key.” Water keys can be purchased at most hardware stores. You can test to make sure your water is shut off by turning on a faucet in the home after you have operated the shut-off valve. If you cannot locate or operate your shut-off valve, you can contact DPW for assistance; a service charge may apply.
This list of plumbing devices to inspect may help you find your leak:
- Toilets Running (see tip below)
- Frost-free Yard Hydrants
- Faucets supply valves and hoses under sinks
- Pressure relief valve on hot water heater
- Evaporative “Swamp” Cooler
- Hose spigots (anti-syphon valves)
- Irrigation system
- Water softener backwash system
- Reverse osmosis system
- Central air humidifier
- In-floor radiant heating boiler make up water line
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Automatic water bowls for animals
RUNNING TOILETS do not always make noise, so here are some tips to check:
- Flush the toilet and while the reservoir is still filling, add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring to the water in the TANK.
- Wait 30 minutes to an hour without flushing and if the water in the BOWL changes colors the flapper may be leaking and needs to be cleaned or replaced.
- Often flappers just lack a good seal due to hard water build-up, which can be remedied by cleaning the tank and flapper as follows: Turn off the water at the toilet, flush it, and then pour a half gallon of white vinegar into the TANK. Let it soak for a few hours and then clean out any calcium build up on the flapper and at the bottom of the TANK.
- If you just replace the flapper without cleaning out any build-up in the bottom of your TANK, it could still lack a good seal and will just leak again.
NOTE: When locating or repairing a leak, it may be necessary for you to turn your water off. Your shut-off valve should be located 18 to 20 inches from the meter in either concrete boxes or a black ABS tube. This is where you can turn your water off yourself with a 3-5 foot water “key.” Water keys can be purchased at most hardware stores. You can test to make sure your water is shut off by turning on a faucet in the home after you have operated the shut-off valve. If you cannot locate or operate your shut-off valve, you can contact DPW for assistance; a service charge may apply.
