Water problems, such as leaks, occur without warning and can result in additional damage and costs if repairs are not handled immediately. The information below may help you in dealing with the property´s water problem, especially the leak at the water meter connection.
HOW TO IDENTIFYING WATER LEAKS AT YOUR WATER METER
Checking your water meter is the best approach to see if you have a leak in your plumbing system.
Here are the simple steps how to know if you have a leak by checking your water meter;
- Make sure there is no water is being used in your house, inside and outside as well.
- Next, a key for your water meter is needed. Most home improvement retailers carry this item. It's a long rod with a key at the top and a knob at the bottom that turns on and off the water in your house. The cover on your public water meter connection is opened using this key.
- Look for your water meter. A domestic water meter is usually located at the roadside in front of your home. In the yard between your street sidewalk and your roadway, look for a black or white steel lid.
- Now, open the lid using the key.
- Check your water meter for movement in the leak indicator. The leak indicator may be a little triangular shaped dial or a small silver wheel that spins when water flows through the meter, depending on the brand of your meter. You most likely have a leak if the dial is moving.
- You can also take a meter reading and then wait 1 or 2 hours before taking another one (make sure no water is used during this time). You have a leak if the reading has changed.
HOW DO l KNOW lF THERE lS A LEAK AT MY WATER METER CONNECTlON?
Now, if the result shows that you have a water leak at your house and if it suspects it happens around your water meter, below are the simple ways how to identify for water leak at your water meter;
- There ls Standing Water
If you step out to your water meter and notice the area surrounding it is wet and soggy, or if you observe standing water and puddles, you have a leak with the water coming into your home from the main line. It's possible that it's on the city side, in which case you won't be charged. However, if the problem is on your side, you must take urgent action because you are paying for water that you are not utilizing.
- There's A Lot Of Trash ln The Box
The connection point between you and the city is the water meter box. If you raise the box lid and see dirt or standing water inside, it suggests an internal component isn't working properly, and you're being charged for more water than you're actually using.
- You Have A High Of Water Bills
If you notice a sudden increase in your water bill, check your meter. Most water meters have a sensitive red dial that indicates whether or not there is any water running inside your home. If there is no water inside your home but the dial is moving, you have a leak and should call a plumber.
The municipal or district is in charge of cleaning and distributing the water to your residence. Water is stored in huge structures and delivered to each residence via a piping system that runs beneath the ground. And these pipes are connected to your home's water main.
However, water must be accounted for before it enters your home, which is why every home has a water meter that calculates the exact amount of water you use down to the last drop.
The most important thing to remember regarding water meters is that they are not the responsibility of the homeowner. It is not a device that a plumber can work on; the water district owns it. So, if your water meter connection is leaking, call the water district or city immediately.