Water leaks at home

Looking for something to do indoors at your own pace?

Visit one of the Guelph Public Libraries to pick up a FREE copy of our Water Bingo Game! After you complete your bingo card, trade it in at one of the branches for a prize!

Take part in the Water Hero Wander

Want to get outdoors? Attention kids, young and old! Take part in the Water Hero Wander and show you have what it takes to be a Guelph Water Hero!Can you find all 6 water drops along one of the following paths?

• Speed River Trail – between the fire station and park bridge
• Royal Recreation Trail (south side of the river) – between Edinburgh Road and McCrae Boulevard
• Downtown core – along Norfolk, starting at the library, and ending at City Hall’s Market Square.

Learn about where your water comes from, where it goes, and how you can become a Water Hero in the Guelph community.

Complete Water Hero Pledges along the way for a chance to win a prize!

Check out the rules and regulations for more details.

Otherwise, ready, set, go!

Trail maps

If you require an accessible format, please contact [email protected].

Riverside Park Trail, 143 Riverview Drive

Royal Recreation Trail. 142 Edinburgh Road South

Downtown Path, 100 Norfolk Street

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
[email protected]