Water Leak Detection

Water leak detection is one of the easiest ways to reduce water waste. Slow drips of water can add up quickly. Even small leaks can add up to thousands of gallons of water waste annually. If the drip is on the hot water side, you are also paying for wasted energy. By not repairing leaks, you not only waste water and energy, but you may also be subjecting your home and personal belongings to severe water damage. Identifying and repairing water leaks is a great way to reduce the amount of water that is wasted in your home. And remember, repairing water leaks will always save you money.

Water Meter Leak Detection

Often customers are not aware they can check for water leaks using the water meter at their home or business. All newer water meters have a triangle leak detection hand on the meter face.

How to use the leak detection hand on the water meter:

  • Turn off all water fixtures in your house, including humidifiers, air conditioners, and ice makers.
  • Locate the water meter.
  • Watch the low-flow indicator on your water meter. If the red triangle is moving counter clockwise, you have a leak.

Leaky Faucets

These pictures illustrate how much water is wasted from dripping or running taps. If you have leaks, have them repaired at once. Your water meter measures all water used, even steady drips, and you will be charged for the amount of water you use.

Drip:

A 1mm stream* wastes 100 liters of water in 24 hours, or 3,000 liters in one month. That's 750 gallons and $5.55/month.
* Approximate width of the tip of a ball point pen

Dribble:

1.5mm stream wastes 400 liters in 24 hours, or 12,000 liters in one month. That's 3,000 gallons and $22.20/month

Drool:

a 3mm stream wastes 1,600 liters in 24 hours, or 48,000 liters in one month. That's 12,000 gallons and $88.80/month

Toilet Leak Detection

Toilet leaks can range from small to large, constant to random. Many are silent. Leaks in a toilet can double or even triple your overall water consumption in a single month by washing away thousands of liters of water. The good news is, if you can change a light bulb you can probably fix your toilet.

If you hear the sound of running water or a faint hissing or trickling, your toilet may not be working properly and may need repairs. But many times water flows through the tank silently, which is why toilet leaks are often overlooked.

Dye tablets to check your toilet for leaks are available at the Civic Centre. Checking your toilet several times a year for leaks, and making repairs quickly means savings on water usage and wastewater treatment.

Leak Test:

  1. Wait 5-10 minutes after the last flush cycle to perform the leak test
  2. Remove the cover. Gently drop one leak detective tablet into tank. DO NOT FLUSH.
  3. Wait 15-20 minutes.
  4. If blue dye color appears in bowl, you have a leak. (Don't worry, it won't stain the bowl)

Sources of the leak may be:

  1. The flapper valve and valve seat (A) have deteriorated or corroded.
  2. The flushing arm and lift chain (B) are not working properly.
  3. The water level in the tank is too high and spills into the overflow tube (C).
  4. The float rod, ballcock and/or float ball (D) are corroded.

Replacement parts are available at hardware and plumbing supply stores or consult your local plumbing professional.

Pipe Leak Detection

Identifying a leaking pipe can get a little tricky because they are mostly concealed in walls or are under the foundation of your home or office. When looking for pipe leaks, you have to look for the symptoms of a leak - such as discolored drywall, ceiling tiles, or carpet. The good news is a pipe leak is relatively rare and is usually at a joint, which makes repairing it a little easier. When in doubt, call a professional plumber to check things out.

Irrigation or Sprinkler System Leak Detection

Spotting leaks in irrigation or sprinkling systems is similar to troubleshooting internal plumbing - you have to look for signs of a leak. When you have a system installed, it's a good idea to retain a copy of the system's layout. This will provide you with a map so you can “walk the system” to identify leaks. Any wet spots or pooling of water should be investigated.

In general, systems should be checked weekly to ensure they are operating properly and your plants are getting the water they need. Also, inspect drip emitters and sprinkler-heads to ensure they are intact. One of the best tools in determining if your system is operating without leaks is to get in the habit of reviewing your water bill. If you see a jump in the gallons used, and there are no other obvious reasons, you may have a system leak.