Water Leaks Leaks cost you money...period. It is very important to be aware of any leaks in your home or on your property and to repair them as soon as possible. If you notice an unexpected increase in your monthly water usage or the amount of your water bill, more times than not, a leak is to blame. Leaks can be found from any household appliance connected to your home's plumbing system including your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, indoor faucets, outdoor hose bibs, sprinkler systems and swimming pools. Any of these items, and many more, can be the culprit. However, above all else, your bathroom toilet is the most common source of household water leaks. Many toilet leaks may be completely silent and, to the naked eye, undetectable. But this type of leak can definitely make its presence known on your water bill. Depending on the size of the water meter and the water pressure (or PSI) at a given location, even a minor leak can result in a MAJOR increase in your water bill due to the continuous loss of water. How do I detect leaks? There are several ways to go about looking for suspected leaks. ConserveH2O.org suggests the following: Read the water meter before and after a 2 hour period when you know that no water has been used. If the water shows a different reading after the 2 hour period, you have a leak. Put food coloring in your toilet's tank. If the color seeps into the bowl (give it an hour or two), you have a leak. Use a grease pencil to mark the level of your pool at the skimmer. Check it 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 1/4" per day. Examine the outside and bottom of your water heater. Look for dripping water down the side of the tank or pooling water underneath. Check the spout and shower head in the bathtub for dripping water. Soft spots on the lawn and around an underground sprinkler indicate a leak that is being absorbed by the ground. Grass that is greener than the rest of the lawn, especially near a known water source like your service line or sprinkler system, is a good indication of leaking water. I know where the leak is...now what? Fix it, or have a professional plumber fix it for you! Some leak repairs can be as simple as tightening a bolt or replacing a washer. Other leaks will require professional plumbing assistance. Regardless of the complexity, all leaks need to be repaired. Unrepaired leaks waste water and money. So, watch your bill for unexpected jumps in water consumption and costs...lowering your bill could be as simple as picking up a wrench and making a small adjustment! In the event an undetected property leak from the meter to the structure on an account results in an excessive billing and it is determined that the leak was repaired by a certified, licensed plumber immediately upon discovery, the Board may reduce the charge for the excess usage by 40% for up to two billing periods. The excess usage shall be the amount above the normal average bill and will only be made once during a 12 month period. To be considered for a leak adjustment, click HERE to submit a copy of your plumber's receipt. The plumber's receipt must show the property address, the nature of the leak, and actions taken to repair the leak.