If you're experiencing higher water bills or suspect a leak, our 1-hour meter test is a quick and easy way to identify issues.
Detect Leaks with a Simple 1-Hour Meter Test.
Follow these steps to rule out potential leaks:
Step 1: Stop All Water Usage
- Ensure no water is running in your home, including showers, washing machines, dishwashers, or other appliances.
- To learn more about how to shut off the water in your home, watch this video: How to shut off water to your home.
Step 2: Take a Meter Reading
- Locate your water meter and record the current reading. Snap a photo with your phone for easy reference.
Step 3: Wait 1–2 Hours
- Avoid using any water during this time. This will help detect unseen water usage.
Step 4: Check the Meter Again
- Take a second reading or photo of the meter. Compare it to your initial reading.
Step 5: Analyze the Results
- If the reading has changed, it confirms unseen water usage and indicates a leak. Contact a licensed plumber for repairs, as we do not locate leaks on the customer’s side.
Other Ways to Check for Leaks
1. Check Your Toilets
- Use leak detection tablets or add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.
- Wait several minutes without flushing.
- If the color appears in the bowl, it indicates a toilet leak that needs repair.
2. Inspect Outside Your Home
- Walk along the trench line between your water meter and your home, looking for wet or "squishy" areas in the yard.
- Keep an eye out for patches of grass that are greener or grow faster than the surrounding areas, as this can be a sign of a leak.
3. Check Your In-Ground Irrigation System
- Inspect your irrigation system each spring before use to ensure it wasn’t damaged by frost or freezing.
4. Stay Informed with WaterSmart
Sign up for our WaterSmart Customer Portal to stay informed about your water usage and potential leaks. WaterSmart provides tools to monitor your water consumption, detect costly leaks, and take action quickly.
👉 Sign up for WaterSmart here to get started and gain better control of your water usage.
Customer Responsibility Reminder
As a customer, it’s important to understand your responsibility for maintaining the water service infrastructure on your property. This includes the service line, plumbing fixtures, and any irrigation systems. Please visit our Understanding Your Water Service page for a complete outline of your responsibilities.
By combining regular leak checks with WaterSmart's insights, you can save water, lower your bills, and prevent costly repairs. Don’t wait—take charge of your water today!
