How To Check for Leaks
Service Line (Pipe between the meter & your house)
Step 1 - Ensure all water using appliances on the property are not being used. E.g all taps closed, dishwasher off, no one in the shower, washing machine off, dishwasher not running, no flushing toilets, etc.
Step 2 - Go to your water box at the street and open the meter cover.
Step 3 - Observe the small triangle in the center of the meter for 2 minutes, if it is spinning or periodically spins, you have either not turned all water users in the house or you have leak. Check house again to make sure all water users are off.
Most likely sources of leaks are a toilet where the flapper valve is not sealing properly or a break in the line between the water meter and your house.
Toilet Flapper Valve Leaks
To check the toilet(s), take a small amount of food coloring (red or green) and put in the toilet tank, wait 10 minutes and if there is color in the bowl, the flapper valve needs to be replaced.
Here's a link on this process: http://www.conserveh2o.org/water-lost-toilet-leaks
Service Line Installation (Pipe between the meter & your house)
The District has certain mandatory requirements for the installation of the pipe between the District service box and the home. The requirements are in place to help avoid leaks and to ensure a long life for the pipe installation.
Home Leak Detection Devices
Various devices are available that can monitor water flow in your house.
These range in features from local beeping to notification to your smartphone and are priced accordingly.
These types of devices can help protect your home from water damage as well as help the District conserve water.
Service Line (Pipe between the meter & your house)
Step 1 - Ensure all water using appliances on the property are not being used. E.g all taps closed, dishwasher off, no one in the shower, washing machine off, dishwasher not running, no flushing toilets, etc.
Step 2 - Go to your water box at the street and open the meter cover.
Step 3 - Observe the small triangle in the center of the meter for 2 minutes, if it is spinning or periodically spins, you have either not turned all water users in the house or you have leak. Check house again to make sure all water users are off.
Most likely sources of leaks are a toilet where the flapper valve is not sealing properly or a break in the line between the water meter and your house.
Toilet Flapper Valve Leaks
To check the toilet(s), take a small amount of food coloring (red or green) and put in the toilet tank, wait 10 minutes and if there is color in the bowl, the flapper valve needs to be replaced.
Here's a link on this process: http://www.conserveh2o.org/water-lost-toilet-leaks
Service Line Installation (Pipe between the meter & your house)
The District has certain mandatory requirements for the installation of the pipe between the District service box and the home. The requirements are in place to help avoid leaks and to ensure a long life for the pipe installation.
- Pipe must be 3/4" Municipal grade polyethylene, this can be purchased from the hardware store.
- Fittings must be Plastic Philmac also available at the hardware store
- The pipe must be installed at a minimum depth of 18"
- The pipe must be placed in the middle of a 1 foot deep run of gravel or sand
- Where a pipe goes under a driveway, it must be contained in a "carrier pipe" to protect it. This pipe can be steel or heavy plastic.
- Before burying the pipe an inspection by a the District Operator must be requested.
Home Leak Detection Devices
Various devices are available that can monitor water flow in your house.
These range in features from local beeping to notification to your smartphone and are priced accordingly.
These types of devices can help protect your home from water damage as well as help the District conserve water.