Leaks are found from a number of different methods:

• You have been informed by Water Works that there has been an increase in your water usage. Water bill indicates a substantial increase over a specific period.
• An area in the yard that has always been dry is becoming consistently wet or marshy, even during periods with no precipitation.
• In homes with slab foundations, it is possible for water to seep up through the slab and cause moisture problems. This can be a cause for concern and should be addressed promptly to prevent any damage to the home’s structure or indoor environment.
• It’s possible to perceive the sound of water moving through a space. This sound can occasionally be coupled with one of the aforementioned items.

How do I determine where the leak is?

1. If you need to locate your water meter, there are a few things you should keep in mind. In most cases, the meter is located in a crock in your front yard. To access it, you can use an adjustable pliers to remove the top. Alternatively, some water meters may be installed inside, in which case you can find a shut-off valve close to the curb outside. By knowing where your water meter is located, you can easily monitor your water usage and ensure that everything is working properly.
2. It’s important to know where the water supply shut-off valve for your building is located in case of an emergency. The valve can be found either indoors or outdoors, and is typically situated where the water main pipe enters the foundation of the building. For residences, it’s commonly located just beneath a hose bibb on the exterior. If you don’t have an interior shut-off valve, it’s highly recommended to have one installed as it’s critical to have a way to shut off the water supply quickly in the event of an emergency.
3. To prevent water waste and damage to your plumbing system, it’s important to turn off all faucets, hose bibs and water using appliances when they are not in use. This will also help you save money on your water bill and ensure that your home is environmentally friendly.
4. It is important to take note of the reading on the water meter and the leak indicator when checking for leaks. If the leak indicator is in motion, it indicates that there is a leak. If the leak indicator is not moving, take note of the number on the meter and wait for 30 minutes or more. After this time, check if there is any change in the number on the meter. If there is, then it indicates that there is a leak. In such a case, it is recommended to close the main shut-off valve inside the home. If the water meter is outside and the indicator stops, then the leak is inside the building.
5. If you notice the indicator is still spinning, it indicates that the water leak is most likely outside of your home. However, if the leak is inside, it is recommended to check the toilets, faucets, and hose bibs first. Leaking valves or flappers in toilets, as well as hoses that are left partially on, can cause significant water loss. Therefore, it is important to inspect these areas for any signs of leakage and to fix them promptly to avoid unnecessary water wastage.

Still need help? Call Curry and Son’s We’re always glad to help you discuss your situation and find if it’s something you can find or fix yourself. If you need our help, we’re here for you!

Leak DIY Tips – How to find water leaks

One effective way to cut your water bills is by performing DIY leak detection at your home on a regular basis. Leaks from a toilet with a worn water fill valve, bad tank gasket or leaky flapper valve can result in significant water wastage. To avoid such wastage, it is important to check other fixtures as well, such as faucets, hose bibs, humidifiers (adjusted for proper flow) and pipes, for any signs of leaks. In addition, if you have a pressure regulating valve, decreasing your water pressure down to 50 psi can also help in using less water.

Are water leaks costing you money? Periodically, you should:

• It is recommended to check all the faucets on a regular basis for any signs of drips. In case you notice any wear and tear, it is advisable to replace the leaking washers, gaskets, pipes or defective fixtures to avoid any further damage. This simple step can help you save on your water bills and prevent any potential water damage to your property.
• It is important to regularly inspect the hose bibs and frost proof hydrants for any signs of leaks. In addition, make sure that the valves are functioning properly and closing tightly. This will help prevent any water damage to your property and ensure that your outdoor water system is working efficiently.
• To prevent high water bills, it’s important to check toilets for leaks regularly, as they are the most common cause of such bills. One way to do this is by examining the overflow of the tank to make sure water is not running over, which could occur if the float level is set too high. Another potential cause of leaks is a faulty flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. To check for a flapper valve leak, add a small amount of food coloring to the toilet tank after it has filled, and wait at least an hour or preferably overnight before flushing. If the food coloring appears in the bowl without flushing, there may be a leaking flapper or plunger ball valve. It’s worth noting that Kool-aid can also be used as a coloring agent for this purpose.

Water Leaks Add Up!

Leaking Toilet @1/2 GPM = 21,600 Gal/mo

Drip Irrigation @1 GPM = 43,200 Gal/mo

Watering Garden for 2 Hours @ 5 GPM = 18,000 Gal/mo

Watering Garden for 2 Hours @ 10 GPM = 36,000 Gal/mo

Unattended Water Hose – 1 Night @10 GPM = 5,400 Gal/mo

Broken Services Line – 1 Night @15 GPM = 8,100 Gal

1 Day @15 GPM = 21,600 Gal

1 Week @15 GPM = 151,200 Gal

1 Month @ 15 GPM = 648,000 Gal

Stuck Check Valve in Washing Machine – 30 Minutes = 240 Gal

Stuck Float Valve in Watering Trough @ 5GPM = 216,000 Gal/mo