A dripping faucet or other small leak in your water system may not seem like big problem. But those drops quickly start adding up and can waste up to 60,000 gallons of water a year if left unchecked. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day—the equivalent of 50 extra flushes per day.
To find out if your system has any leaks follow these steps:
If your meter does not have a tell-tale indicator, simply compare two readings of your meter over a 30–60 minute period:
If a leak occurs on the property-side of the meter, the property owner is responsible for the leak charges and repair costs. If you have checked for leaks and yet the dials are still turning, you may have a hidden leak in an underground pipe. Contact a reputable plumber for additional help and service.
If you have purchased a water line protection plan such as Homeowner Safety Valve, contact the service provider for service. Learn more about Homeowner Safety Valve.
If a water pipe broke in your home, could you quickly find the emergency shut-off valve? Find out where it is before you have an emergency and show it to every family member. Here’s where to look for it:
Once you locate it, turn the valve gently to make sure it hasn’t frozen from lack of use. If it won’t turn, have a plumber replace it.
Here are some of the most likely places to look for drips or moisture that indicates a plumbing leak: