How to Identify Water Leaks at Your Water Meter

Drip… Drip… Drip…

As it turns out, those irritating, seemingly minor leaks from plumbing fittings or household water fixtures are a major cause of water wastage. Believe it or not, 10% of homes in the USA waste 90+ gallons of water each day just from these small fixture leaks. This adds up to over 10,000 Gallons of water per year. That’s enough to wash nearly 300 loads of laundry!

Think about how that translates to your water bill. Fixing these small leaks saves about 10% on the average home’s water bill… adding up to a lot at the end of the year!

Needless to say, it’s worth it to know whether or not you have any minor leaks and, if so, get them fixed… ASAP. Thankfully, there’s a quick and easy way to check water leaks at your water meter yourself.

5 Simple Steps to Check Your Home For Water Leaks at Your Water Meter:

1. Turn off all water use sources in the house. This means faucets, dishwasher, washing machine, etc. You want to make sure no water is being used.
2. Buy a water meter key. This device is found at most home improvement stores. It is a long rod with a key at the top and the bottom is used to turn the water on and off to your home. This key opens the lid to your city water meter connection
3. Find your water meter. Typically, a residential water meter is out near the curb at the front of your house. Look for a black or white steel lid located in the grassy area between your street sidewalk and your street.
4. Use the key to open up the lid.
5. Observe the meter. You will have one of two types of meters: a Pinwheel with silver and black stripes; or, a Triangle (this is the most common).

Look carefully at the pinwheel or triangle to see if it is moving. If so, it means there is water passing through the meter; i.e. you have a leak and you are being charged for water you are not using. Take note of how fast it is spinning. If the triangle or pinwheel is moving slowly, this usually indicates a minor leak, such as a running toilet. Faster spins indicate a more major leak, the type which is easily identifiable.

Detecting and fixing water leaks is essential to reducing water waste and saving money on water. Having these issues fixed requires little investment but pays off big time in the long run. Be sure to check your water meter for water leaks today. If your meter indicates a leak,call the award-winning experts at Legacy Plumbingright away and we’ll take care of the issue for you!

Looking to conserve your water? Join our water conservation initiative. In doing so, you will not only learn more ways to save, one of our most precious resources, water but also save money and save a lives – through our well building project in Africa.