WaterOne Field Investigation Policy – High Bill

Due to the high cost of sending field technicians to double check meter readings for accuracy it has become necessary to modify our practices.   WaterOne will not double check readings unless the billed consumption is at least 25,000 gallons and  50% more than the same period a year ago.  

Leak Detection Tips

A little leak loses lots! Just a slow drip from a faucet may add up to 15 or 20 gallons a day, while a 1/16" faucet leak wastes 100 gallons in 24 hours! Your garden hose may pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.

Toilets

Toilets are notorious for hidden leaks, and may waste hundreds of gallons a day undetected. Leaks occur when the flushing mechanism is out of adjustment or when parts are worn. By lifting the toilet lid top, a slight hiss of running water will be heard on a toilet leaking into the overflow.

Most toilet leaks are at the overflow pipe or at the plunger ball. Sometimes the overflow valve is worn and will run like a leaky faucet and have to be replaced. If you are an experienced "do-it-yourselfer" you can do the job. Otherwise, call a plumber.

Plunger-ball leaks are not as easy to spot. Drop a little food coloring into clear water in the tank and wait. If it shows up in the bowl, you probably have a leak in the plunger ball. Replacing the ball or realigning the mechanism is a relatively simple job for a "do-it-yourselfer." Most toilet facilities have a turn-off valve below the tank to allow repairs to be made.

Faucets

Faucet leaks are usually caused by worn washers or "O" rings (for washer faucets). Repairing faucet leaks are easy. Turn off the water supply line to the faucet, replace the washer, and turn on the line again.  Remember to check faucet washers periodically.

Outside taps

Check the outside taps for leaking water, particularly during the summer sprinkling season.  A hose mistakenly left dribbling away in the grass or garden, can waste thousands of gallons of water during the course of the summer.  Remember to close outside faucets tightly every time you shut off the water.