Leak Detection

One of the biggest culprits causing water loss at home is a leak. Even the smallest but most common types of leaks can make a bill sky rocket.

For example, one of these could simply be your toilet running. If you hear water continuing to run through the tank after it’s been flushed, this can indicate that you have a leak. Having said that, you won’t always hear a noise if a toilet is leaking. A good way to check for a toilet leak is to use dye tablets specifically for leak detection. Simply drop a dye tablet into the tank leave it for at least 10–15 minutes. If the bowl shows color than you have a leak.

Also, check all of your fixtures, (especially underneath sinks, in cabinets, and under your home.)  It’s a good idea to check all of your faucets as even the smallest drip could make a bill increase quite a bit.

We went over how to check for a leak in your toilet. Now let us go over how to check to make sure there aren’t other leaks somewhere else on your property.

• First, go around your home, inside and out, and make sure all water sources are turned off.
• Next, find your water meter outside, which a majority of the time will be out near the street in a cement casing.
• Open up the meter box and look inside. Our newer meters have a leak indicator light, so if all of your water is turned off and this light is on, that indicates water is still passing through the meter, meaning you may have a leak.
• If you have an older model meter, you will need to look at the dial with numbers. Read the value of the meter, which would be the first six numbers, and write it down. Wait 10 minutes, then check the dial again. If the read is higher than it was before, this could indicate a leak.
• Having issues finding your meter? You are more than welcome to call us at (503)982-5380. We will put in a request to have someone go out and help you find it.

If your meter does indicate a leak, we suggest you try to locate it. Check your toilets, under cabinets, under sinks, and if possible check under the house for wet spots or pools of water. If it’s been dry outside check your yards and (if you have one) check your irrigation system.  

Think you have a leak but can't locate it? Your next best option would be to contact a plumber.