PUBLIC UTILITIES

Promptly fix all leaks to avoid further damage and water waste. Some plumbing repairs, like replacing faucet washers or toilet parts, can be handled by a handy DIY enthusiast. However, if you’re uncomfortable with DIY repairs, contact a licensed plumber.

To detect concealed leaks, try these two DIY methods:

The Meter Check

First, ensure all inside and outside faucets are turned off. Then, locate your indoor water meter, record the current reading by marking the test dial hand position with a crayon or pen, and note the meter digits. Wait 20 minutes to an hour without using any water. After the time has passed, check the test dial to see if the hand has moved from the marked position and compare the new reading to the previous one. If the hand has moved or the reading has changed, it indicates a leak.

Listen for Leaks

Begin by ensuring all inside and outside faucets are turned off. Next, firmly place a large screwdriver (at least 10 inches long) on any faucet’s hot or cold side. Put your ear on the plastic handle and listen carefully for any water sounds. You can also test exposed pipes, valves, or fittings in the same way. If you hear running water, it likely indicates a leak. Usually, faucets, pipes, and fittings should be silent when there’s no leak.

Regularly Inspect Faucets for Leaks

Make it a habit to periodically check all faucets, including those in basements or storage areas, for signs of leaks. Worn-out washers are often the culprit behind faucet and shower head leaks. Replacing worn washers promptly is essential, as even a small leak can waste a significant amount of water – up to several gallons per day. This increases your water bill and increases water heating costs if the leak involves hot water.

Detecting Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are a common source of water waste, yet they can be subtle and hard to detect. Here are some simple tests to help you identify a toilet leak:

• * Flush the toilet and wait for it to stop refilling. Then, inspect the bowl visually. If you notice water still running into the bowl or hear water flowing, your toilet is likely leaking.
• * Remove the toilet tank lid and check the water level. It should be about 1 inch below the overflow pipe opening. Water may flow continuously down the overflow tube if the level is too high. If the level is even with the top of the overflow tube, sprinkle some powder on the water’s surface. If the powder goes down the overflow tube, you have a leak.
• * Even if you don’t see or hear water running, your toilet may still have a silent leak. Try this test: add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water (or use free dye tablets from our Utilities Office). Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If the dye appears in the bowl, you have a leak. This could be due to a dirty or damaged plunger ball, flapper, or overflow tube.
• * Check the flush handle’s operation. Remove the tank lid, flush the toilet, and ensure the handle mechanisms move smoothly without hanging up or jamming. Also, check the chain connecting the handle to the flapper. If it’s too long, it may get caught under the flapper. A sticking handle can prevent the flapper or float ball from closing properly, leading to a high water and sewer bill.

Toilet Troubleshooting: Biannual Checks

Regularly inspect your toilets for leaks and issues to avoid water waste and high bills. Perform the following checks twice a year:

• * Check the overflow tube to ensure the tank water level is 1 inch below the opening. Adjust the water level using the adjustment screw or clip if necessary.
• * Inspect the toilet float for cracks or waterlogging. If damaged, replace it (note: using chemicals in the tank can reduce its lifespan to 2-7 years).
• * Check the flush valve bulb or flapper for proper sealing. Clean, repair, or replace faulty valves to prevent leaks.
• * Check the handle operation by tightening loose handles or straightening the control arm if it’s rubbing. Ensure smooth connections and operation and verify that nothing catches under the flapper during flushing.
• * By performing these biannual checks, you can identify and address toilet issues before they become significant problems.

Checking Your Service Line

The service line is the pipe that connects your house to the city’s water main, buried about 42 inches underground to prevent freezing. While a service line leak may not increase your bill, repairs can be costly. To inspect your service line, follow these steps:

Find the curb box, a metal cylinder that allows access to the valve controlling water flow from the main to your house. The lid is usually made of cast iron, about 5 inches in diameter, and marked “WATER”. If you notice water seeping from the curb box, call 740-477-8255.

Other signs of a service line leak include:

• * Discoloration, moisture, or sponginess on the walls where the service line enters the house
  Leaking main control valve (located next to the water meter)
• * Cracking in the building foundation
• * Uneven vegetation growth or heaving of the earth
• * Soft spots or depressions in the yard, accompanied by a drop in household water pressure

If you notice these signs, contact us at 740-477-8255 for assistance.

Outside Water Taps: Regular Checks are Essential

Regularly inspect outside taps, also known as spigots, for leaks; particularly during summer when they are used more frequently. A hose left on can waste thousands of gallons of water over the summer season. Make sure to tighten outside faucets securely to prevent leaks.

Additionally, be aware that outside taps can freeze in cold winter temperatures, causing the spigot to crack or burst, leading to water damage and ice formation in your yard. If your house is not equipped with frost-proof spigots, be sure to turn off the water supply at the valve that controls the outside tap to prevent freezing and potential damage.

Other Potential Leak Sources:

Humidifier – A humidifier requires a constant water supply, typically provided by a connected line or tubing. However, stuck control valves can cause water to flow continuously through the humidifier, leading to potential leaks and waste. Regularly inspect the humidifier’s supply line and control valves to ensure proper function and prevent issues.

Ice Maker—Automatic refrigerator ice makers also rely on supply lines or tubing, which can be prone to leaks. These leaks can occur unexpectedly, even within walls, making them challenging to detect. Regularly inspect the supply lines and tubing connected to your ice maker to prevent water damage and waste.

Water Softener – Water softeners can also be a source of leaks. Stuck control valves can cause the system to recharge continuously, wasting water. Additionally, supply lines connected to the water softener can spring leaks, leading to further water waste. Regularly inspect the control valves and supply lines to ensure proper function and prevent issues.

Underground Lines – Some properties have underground plumbing lines connecting multiple buildings, from a main house to a detached garage or storage building. Leaks in these lines can be particularly challenging to detect, as they are hidden from view. Keep an eye out for telltale signs of a leak, including wet spots, ground erosion, or the sound of running water near the line’s location. Regular monitoring can help identify issues before they become significant problems.

Swimming Pool – To detect a leak in your swimming pool, you can perform a simple test known as the bucket test. Start by filling a 5-gallon plastic bucket with pool water, leaving about 1 inch at the top, and mark the water level in the bucket. Next, mark the water level on the pool with tape, a wax pencil, or a crayon. Then, turn off all water-filling devices and place the bucket on a step in the pool. Wait 24 hours and compare the water levels. If the water level in the pool drops more than the level in the bucket, you likely have a leak. If so, consider contacting a pool contractor specializing in leak detection for further assistance.

Hot Water Tank – Water heaters are another potential source of leaks, which can occur at the fittings or through the drain valve at the bottom of the tank. Additionally, corrosion can compromise the tank’s inner liner, leading to leaks. If the water heater is in a basement with a floor drain, leaks can go undetected for an extended period, as the water may be silently draining away. Unchecked, a hot water tank leak can result in higher-than-normal energy bills, as the heater works harder to maintain the desired temperature. Regular inspection and monitoring can help identify issues before they become major problems.

Sprinkler System – In-ground sprinkler systems can be prone to leaks, which can be particularly challenging to detect. These hidden leaks can waste significant amounts of water and lead to costly damage. To prevent issues, it’s essential to drain the system before cold winter temperatures arrive, as freezing lines can cause cracks and leaks. By taking proactive steps to winterize your sprinkler system, you can help prevent leaks and ensure a smooth start-up when the warmer months return.