How to find leaks:
Most leaks can be heard or seen, but some are difficult to detect. Your water meter may be your most useful tool in identifying water leaks on your property.
All your underground locating needs
Follow these steps to check for unseen leaks:Locate the water meter
- Locate the water supply shut-off valve for your building. It can be outdoors or indoors and is commonly located where the main water pipe enters the building foundation. In a home, this is often near an outside faucet. (Note: If you do not have a main shut-off valve, have one installed.)
- Turn off all faucets, outlets and water-using appliances. Note the one-cubic foot dial on the meter. After 30 minutes or more, take another look at the dial. If the dial has moved, you have a leak either inside or underground.
- Now, close the main shut-off valve. If the indicator stops, your leak is inside the building.
- Check toilets and faucets. If the indicator continues to move when the shut-off valve is closed, you have an underground leak between the water meter and the shut-off valve, which should be repaired.
How do I find or locate a "hidden" water leak?
If you have determined that you have a hidden unwanted water leak, give us a call! We can pi point its location so you can avoid costly guesses or destructive digging in your already established landscape. We take great care to provide accurate locates, guarantee our work and follow up after every job.
Water loss examples
Leaking Toilet @1/2 GPM = 21,600 Gal/mo
Drip Irrigation @1 GPM = 43,200 Gal/mo
Watering Garden 2 hours @ 5 GPM = 18,000 Gal/mo
Watering Garden 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 Ice Maker @ 2 GPM = 86,400 Gal/mo
Stuck Check Valve in Washing Machine–30 minutes = 240 Gal
Stuck Float Valve in Watering Trough @ 5GPM = 216,000 Gal/mo
