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Use your water meter to detect leaks
Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances.
Check your water meter—it’s usually in the basement where your water pipe enters the front of your home.
Record your meter’s reading at night when you are done using water for the day, and then again in the morning before using any water. If you have a water softener, do this test when it is not recharging. If the number increases overnight, you have a leak.
Reading an analog water meter
If the low-flow indicator is turning, moving or shaking then you might have a leak. The low-flow indicator is usually a small red or black triangle or dial on the face of the water meter.
Watch the video: How to read an analog water meter.
Reading a digital water meter
Open the lid and shine a flashlight on the solar panel to activate the display. Wait a few seconds and you will see the total consumption in litres. Then you will see the word “RATE” at the top and the current flow rate in litres per minute. The meter will show each reading every 30 seconds.
To find a leak, look for the leak symbol shaped like a tap
- If it is off, there are no leaks
- If it is flashing, there has been water flowing for more than 12 hours over a 24 hour period
- If it is on, water has been flowing for at least 24, and you likely have a leak
Watch the video: How to read a digital water meter
Common household leaks
The most common household leaks are in toilets, faucets, water softeners, sprinkler systems, swimming pools.
Property owners are responsible for all plumbing maintenance and repairs. If you are unable to find the source of a water leak, please contact a professional plumber.
How to find and fix a toilet leak
Remove the lid from the toilet tank. Look and listen for leaks.The water should be about 0.6 centimetres (1/4 inch) below the top of the overflow tube. To adjust the water level, lower the float rod connected to the float ball.
If you hear noise but the water isn’t moving, the leak is most likely occurring through the flapper located at the bottom of the tank.
Check the chain to make sure it’s not caught on something
You can use food colouring or get a free dye test kit from the City to find out if the flapper is leaking.
- Put a few drops of food colouring or a leak detector tablet/sticker in the toilet tank.
- Wait 20-30 minutes. Don’t flush the toilet during this time. Then check the water in the toilet bowl.
- If you see coloured dye in the water in the toilet bowl, there is a leak.
Try cleaning the flapper and valve so they fit snugly. If that doesn’t work you may need to replace the flapper.
If you still have a leak after checking these items, contact your plumber.
Contact us for a free dye test kit
Water Services
519-837-5627
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