Before you start:

• Locate your water meter. 

     Generally, your water meter is in the front yard area near a driveway or between two properties.

• Meter box photos are available on this web site under “How I Do; Meter Info/Read Dates

• Make sure all water using appliances are off. i.e., dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, toilets, faucets, showers.

• Check to make sure irrigation systems, auto-fill pool and spa devices are switched off

• Hose(s) and yard hydrants are not in use. 

 

 

Finding the leak:

• Look for any visible signs of a leak: running toilets, dripping faucets etc.

Toilets are high water users, you may not hear the toilet running – placing food coloring in the tank, waiting 5-10 minutes to see if any die has entered the bowl will indicate a leak.

• Close the main shut off valve to your house. This can be located either indoors or outdoors- usually in a basement, crawlspace, or garage

• Check that the water is off by turning on an interior faucet to verify the water is off

• Return to the meter to check for movement – If the dial or digit is not moving you have a leak inside the residence

• If the dial or digit is still moving when your main shut off valve is closed and you have an irrigation system, shut off the water to the irrigation system. If this stops the dial or digit from moving, the leak is in your irrigation system

• If the dial or digit is still moving and you don’t have an irrigation system, the leak is in the water service line between the house and the water meter. Check the area between the house and the water meter for any visible water ponding – soggy ground material

 

Depending on the location of the leak contact either a plumber or irrigation specialist if unable to make necessary repairs yourself.

 

Information on UHWA’s leak credit is available under Leak Credit Policy.