Monitor Your Property for Leaks

You can use your meter as a tool to help identify if your property has any leaks. There is a small round dial on the face of the meter which spins when water use is detected. You may need to open the cover of the meter to view the dial. During a time when no one is using any water, if the dial is moving, that indicates a leak. You may need to mark where the dial is pointing and see if there was any movement after 30 minutes to know if there is a small leak. Even a slow drip can add up! You can also monitor the advancement of the numbers on the meter to see if it is registering water use when no water is being used.

With the new automated meters, we are able to view a history of your meter readings and see if any leaks seem to be developing. You can call us any time to see how much usage has occurred since your last bill. This way you can be aware of a potential issue before receiving your next 4-month bill.

Common Leaks: 

Issues with toilets are the most common type of leak homeowners find. You may not always hear something when a toilet is wasting water. To check your toilet for a leak, ask for the free dye tablets available from the South Milwaukee Treasurer’s Office. Drop a tablet in the tank of the toilet. If the blue dye appears in the bowl of the toilet, there is a leak. Silent toilet leaks are often due to the flapper in the bottom of the tank not sealing adequately or the water level inside the tank being set too high. Other issues with toilets can cause leaks as well. After installing a new toilet, checking it with a dye tablet will ensure that it is set up properly to avoid water waste. A toilet that is not used (such as in a basement) should have the water to it turned off! 

Other examples of leaks: 

                                                  Dripping Faucets                                                                                        Aprilaire (Humidity Systems) on Furnace                                    

                            Broken/Cracked Outdoor Spigot or Hose                                               Water Source Turned On and FORGOTTEN About                             

                 Cracks in Pipes Hidden Behind Walls or in Cabinets                                                     Under-ground Sprinkler Systems