Using Your Meter to Test for Household Leaks

Even the smallest leak can add up to large water bills. Your water meter can be a valuable tool in helping to determine if you have water leaks inside your home. To conduct this test, take a meter reading from your meter before going to bed or before a period of no household activity. Following this period, before any water is used in the house, go outside and check your meter. If the dial hand has moved, you have a leak somewhere in the house.

Some Charleston Water System meters are equipped with a leak indicator, which is a small, diamond-shaped dial which is found on the face of the meter. The leak indicator can detect even the smallest amount of water being used. To check for leaks, turn everything off in the house that uses water, even an icemaker. If the leak indicator is moving, you may want to inspect your plumbing including bathroom fixtures, outside faucets, etc. for possible leaks.

Checking for Toilet Leaks

Toilet leaks are one of the most common sources of leaks. Running toilets are more than a nuisance, they cost money and waste water. Pinpointing a toilet leak is easy and usually inexpensive. Follow these procedures to locate a toilet leak:

Put a leak detector tablet in the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes. If the colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak. The flush valve probably needs to be replaced. (See Diagram below).

If the flush valve isn't worn, check to see whether it fits into the valve (B) snugly. If this valve is corroded, clean it. Then, if the ball still won't seat properly, straighten the guide wire (C) and make sure it's not catching on anything. Note: Newer toilets have a chain and flapper ball instead of the guidewire and flush valve ball.

Sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder on top of the water in the tank. If this powder moves towards the overflow tube (D), you probably have an overflow leak. Gently bend the float arm (E) down to the shut off valve before the water spills into the tube. Or, you may consider replacing the float valve(E).

If your toilet whistles, whines or won't shut off after adjusting the float ball, you may want or need to check the ballock assembly (G). Hardware and plumbing stores sell complete kits with instructions.