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How to Check for Leaks
Water leaks come in many sizes and varieties. Some water leaks require plumber expertise and others can easily be repaired by a resident. The most common sources of water leaks are service line ruptures, sprinkler system line cracks, toilets, and faucets.
Below are a few tips to try to determine if you have a leak.
Utilizing The Meter to Identify Leaks
The Texas Water Co meters are highly accurate and have built-in features to detect minor usage amounts.
Turn off all water inside the house faucets and equipment to check for leaks.
Next, find the water meter. Read the meter to see if the usage numbers are moving. If they are moving, you leak.
How to Read Your Meter
Neptune meters
To read your Neptune E-Coder® register, expose the solar panel to sunlight or shine a bright light (i.e., flashlight or cell phone flashlight), and the display will activate.
When activated, the LCD will first show a segment test.
Sensus iPearl Meters
To detect a leak with our Sensus iPearl meters, lift the lid on the actual meter to expose the digital readout register. A "+" sign in the circle below the numbers will indicate water flowing through the meter. Also, the iPearl is very sensitive, so that you may notice an increasing number count on the right hand of the decimal point of the digital register. If you see one or both of these and are sure the water has been turned off, you most likely leak.
Sensus SR2 Meters
It may be necessary to wipe off the face of the meter to see it. This meter has a "test" hand that rotates clockwise when water is used. Observe the "test" hand very closely. If there is any movement in the "test" hand and you are sure water has been turned off, most likely there is a leak.
- The test hand on the meter "A" is a black triangle above the read numbers.
- On meter "B," the test hand is a small red knob in the bottom right-hand corner of the meter.
Other Ways to check for leaks
Check your toilets
- Add Leak Detector tablets or a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank.
- Wait several minutes.
- If any color seeps into the bowl, the toilet leaks.
Check OUTSIDE YOUR HOME
- Check your yard by slowly walking the trench line between the meter and your home, be aware of any "squishy" areas.
- Be aware of any unusually green areas in the yard.
- If you have an in-ground irrigation system, check it each spring before use to make sure it wasn't damaged by frost or freezing. If you need help,contact us.
