- Home
- Departments
- Public Works
- Water
- Water Tips
- Stop the Leaks
Stop the Leaks
High Water Bill
A high water bill may indicate you have a leak. Even a small leak can waste enough water for you to notice an increase on your bill. If there is a leak anywhere within your plumbing system, the person named on the utility bill must pay for the water used. Fix your leaks promptly to avoid paying for them each month. Did you know a 1/4" leak wastes 393,833 gallons* in one month:
- 1/16 inch leak wastes 24,666 gallon (at 60 pounds of pressure) in one month
- 1/8 inch leak wastes 98,666 gallons (at 60 pounds of pressure) n one month
- 3/16 inch leak wastes 222,000 gallons (at 60 pounds of pressure) in one month
Suspected Leak
If you suspect you have a leak but can't find one, please contact a plumber.
Finding Water Leaks
Most leaks are easy to find, but some can go undetected. Here are some ideas to help find a water leak in your home:
- Air Conditioner / Humidifier
- Dishwasher / Clothes Washer
- Faucets
- Outside Faucets
- Sprinkler Systems
- Toilets
- Water Service Connection
- Water Heater
- Water Softener
- Check for water leaks
- Look for water drips or stains underneath or in back of the machine
- Replace washer-less faucets
- Replace worn gaskets and washers
- Tighten waterline connections and valves
- Replace worn gaskets and washers
- Check for any damage to sprinkler heads
- Disconnect hoses from outside faucets to protect against freeze damage
- Make sure that all drain plugs are closed
- Winterize your sprinkler system according to the system's instructions
- Bend the float arm to lower the water level to at least one-half inch below the top of the overflow tube
- Check the flush handle to see if it is stuck in the flush position
- Listen and look for running water
- Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Or pick up free dye tablets at the Utility Billing Office located at 625 5th Street. If color shows up in the bowl within ten minutes, the valve or support assembly may need to be replaced
- Replace the overflow tube if it has holes below the water level
- See if the ball valve drops squarely into the drain opening. If not, clean it out or replace the ball valve if it is worn
- Look for drips or wet areas in the crawl space
- Place a screwdriver on the service line and listen. No noise means water is not running
- Replace the pressure and temperature valve, if leaking
- Tighten the drain valve
- Contact your water softener representative for service and repair information
- Listen for running water
- Look for water drips or wet areas underneath or in back of the machine