Does your water bill seem unusually high? Following are some things to consider or look for.
- Have your water usage habits changed? Additional houseguests, increased laundry and outdoor watering are common sources of increased water use.
- Has anything been left on? A faucet or hose spigot that has been left on can easily add up to thousands of gallons of water over a few weeks, even if it is just trickling or dripping.
- Identify if you have a leak: Turn off all water sources inside and outside. Locate your water meter – it is usually located near the road under a metal, plastic, or concrete lid. Most water meters have a flow indicator that may look like a small triangle or arrow. If this flow indicator is turning, even slightly, there is water flowing through the meter indicating a potential leak. If your meter is not equipped with a flow indicator, or you’re not sure whether it’s turning or not, write down the figure displayed on the meter register. Wait 30 minutes with all water sources still off and check the meter again, if the figure has changed there is a leak somewhere.Your home may be equipped with a master water supply shut-off valve that controls water flow into the home. It is usually located where the water supply enters the home near the foundation, in a garage, crawlspace, basement, or near a hot water heater. Turn the water off at this valve, if your home is equipped with 1. If the flow indicator on the meter continues to turn, then the leak is between the meter and the master valve – most likely in your service line. If the flow indicator stops then the leak is after this valve. Any leaks on the customer side of the meter are the homeowner’s responsibility to repair.
- Common leaks: Even a small leak can add up to a considerable amount of water over the course of a month. Check faucets, hose spigots, bathroom fixtures, hot water heaters, and any other water sources for drips or signs of water where there shouldn’t be. Toilets are notorious for silent leaks. Put a toilet leak dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. After 15 to 20 minutes (without flushing) check the toilet bowl. If colored water appears in the bowl, water is leaking from the tank. A toilet leaking 1 gallon every 5 minutes will waste 288 gallons per day or 8,640 gallons per month. Toilet leak dye tablets are available at the PUD customer service counter. If you hear water running and are unable to identify its source, contact a plumbing professional to assist in locating a potential leak.
If you need help locating your water meter, see water leaking inside the meter box, or have questions regarding your water service, please call PUD number 1 of the Clallam County Water Department at (360) 565-3254.
Water Saving Tips
Clallam County Public Utility District (PUD) is a partner in Water-Use It Wisely, a national water conservation campaign. For information on water conservation, visit the Water Use It Wisely website.