Leaks beyond the outlet of the meter may be registering lost water 24 hours a day for the entire 90 day period between readings. The facts listed below are perhaps noteworthy:
- 1/16″ opening will lose 590 gallons a day
- 1/8″ opening will lose 2376 gallons a day
- 1/4″ opening will lose 9504 gallons a day
A leak can be very expensive, even if you can’t hear it. Our pressure is approximately 60 pounds per square inch. If your bill is high, you may have a leak. The first step in checking a leak is to read your meter and not use any water for as long as possible. Then read the meter again. If the dial has moved, it indicates that water has gone through the meter. The most common culprit is the bathroom stool. Shut off the valve under the stool and read the meter as before. Check inside the water tank to be sure the level of the water is at least one inch below the overflow opening. If you need to shake the handle once in a while to stop the noise, you need to adjust or change the mechanism. An overall average household consumption is 5000 gallons per person per quarter. Daily average consumption is 60 gallons per person. Although each person has habits that vary that consumption from the average. There is a meter testing machine which proves accuracy to 1%, and the customer may request such a test. The meter is tested at slow flow 1/4 – 1/2 gallons per minute, medium flow 5 to 7 gallons per minute and high flow 10 to 12 gallons per minute. There can be 2% difference just in the rate of flow. The cost to the customer is $100.00 if the test is within 2%. If the meter is faulty, there will be no charge and the percent of error is credited to the account. We request that you observe the test. The Division of Water personnel will check for leaks with a leak detector before removing the meter. The meter will also be resealed when it is reinstalled. Leaks are costly both to the customer and to the Utility Division.
If you notice any abnormal escape of water from hydrants or mains call 419-897-7125.
