There are no visible leaks of showers, faucets or toilets. Can hear water running through pipes though. Do not have a recirculating system or water softener. Not sure when it is the water company's issue. Inflow or outflow? Have contacted them (water company) and they are useless until it can be proven it's their concern. Have had no luck when plumber was involved either. Any suggestions for troubleshooting would be appreciated? Would really love to isolate the problem.
2007-07-25 07:05:30 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
water usage since february 2400 gallons, march 4400, april 6200, may 7200, june 8700 gallons. we don't use sprinklers etc. and there are only 2 adults in the home.
2007-07-25 08:45:59 · update #1
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. It seems that after much investigation there is a pin hole leak in the water line between the meter and house. The ground wasn't soggy or leaking because our area is in a drought so the water didn't make it to the surface. We are replacing the line and hopefully that will solve this round of problems. Ah, the joys of homeownership!
2007-07-27 07:20:47 · update #2
Turn off all of the water in your house. Go and look at the meter. If it is moving, you have a leak. It may be moving slowly, so you may have to mark it and check it again in an hour or so.
If it indicates that you have a leak, turn off the water at the main cutoff for the house, and then look at the meter again. If it is still moving, then the leak is between the meter and the shut off valve for the house (and likely somewhere underground). If it is not turning after you cut off the water at the main cutoff, then the leak is located within the house.
You can have a leak in the toilet without knowing it is leaking. You won't see the water moving and you won't have water on the floor, but it can cost you an arm and a leg. You can check to see if you have a small water leak in the toilet by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank on the back. If that coloring gets to the toilet bowl without you flushing it, then you have a leak in the toilet.
If the water bill is going up because of the leak, then it is not a problem that is the responsibility of the water company. They are only responsible from the water company to the meter itself. You are responsible for the pipes (including underground in the yard) from the meter into the house and inside the house. If the meter is reading the water leak, then it is on your side of the meter.
2007-07-25 07:11:00 · answer #1 · answered by sortaclarksville 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your house has a concrete block foundation, then the pipes are buried in the concrete. If it cracks there, then the water will not be visible, but will leak down into the ground under the foundation.
Get someone out there quickly who's qualified to find the source of the leak. If it is under the foundation, it can create a giant hole under the ground. I have seen it happen first hand. In the meantime you may want to find the shutoff valve for the house, and turn it on only when you have to till it's fixed.
A plumber is probably your best bet.
2007-07-25 07:15:04 · answer #2 · answered by budjon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can hear it running through the pipes, then it is coming from your end, not the water company's. You are likely overlooking the leak somewhere. Look under the house as well and make sure to feel for leaks. Try turning the water on while going under to feel and look for leaks.
2007-07-25 07:09:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is this a single family residence or a multi family or condo? An attached neighbor could have a leak and some crossed pipes could be metering water in your unit while it actually leaking next door.
2007-07-25 16:39:18 · answer #4 · answered by griffinpilot1965 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you maybe have a toilet leaking under the floor? Do you have an outside hose that someone left on? Do you water your grass/flowers/bushes/landscaping a lot? That's odd. .I hope you find out.. Oh do you have a toilet that constantly runs? That could be it.... good luck
2007-07-25 07:09:34 · answer #5 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife and I noticed our water bill doubled all the sudden. At first we blamed it on our teenagers and their excessive showers, but as it turned out, it was a water leak in the toilet tank. It was pretty simple to diagnose. I first went downstairs into the basement and noticed the flow indicator on the meter was moving. Knowing that we were not using water at the time, it was clear there was a small leak somewhere. So one by one I began to close the shutoff valves around the house and observe the meter each time. When I closed the shutoff valve to the first floor toilet, the dial immediately stopped. Turns out that the float in the tank was allowing the water level to raise too high. I adjusted the float by bending the metal arm downward, and the leak stopped, and so did the meter flow once I opened the shutoff valve. I sure wish I had known this earlier. It would have saved me $300!!!
2014-05-17 01:26:05 · answer #6 · answered by J 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your pipes have pressure, then its unlikely that you have a bursted pipe. I would examine your bill. If your water usage has remained the same, it is likely that the city has increased the cost for sewage and storm water.
2007-07-25 07:14:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Looks like it has been ongoing for awhile. Look at your lawn If you notice any areas that are growing extra green or thick. Your leak may be outside.
2007-07-27 12:53:37 · answer #8 · answered by mancub222001 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with sortaclarksville here. Also, check your hot water heater. Check the handles on your toilets to make sure they rise back up after flushing.
2007-07-25 07:15:24 · answer #9 · answered by Hestia 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋