Leak Detection
Whose responsibility is it to fix leaks?
It would depend on where the leak is located. Spotsylvania County Utilities is responsible for leaks on the street side of the water meter. Leaks from the connection to the water meter to the home, as well as leaks inside the home are the responsibility of the customer. It is very important to repair leaks as quickly as possible. Ignoring leaks can waste a great deal of water, cause significant property damage, and can be costly to the consumer.
Check for leaking toilets
Leaking toilets can waste 14,000 gallons of water per day and cost consumers hundreds of dollars a month on their water and sewer bills. To detect a slow leak, put food coloring in the toilet tank and wait at least 30 minutes, and preferably overnight, to flush. If the water in the bowl turns color, your toilet tank is leaking and you may need to replace the parts inside your toilet tank. Repair kits are inexpensive and are available at most home improvement stores. Always be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your toilet’s specific make and model to learn more about how to make repairs.
Here are some helpful tips on how to replace a flapper in the toilet tank, please view the How to Replace the Flapper (PDF).
Check for leaky faucets, showers and hoses
Worn plumbing fixtures waste a great deal of water and can be costly to the customer. Frequently check faucets, shower heads and hoses (i.e.: washing machine, dishwasher) for loose connections and cracked seals and repair as needed and as recommended by the manufacturer.
Underground water leaks
An underground water leak due to a broken pipe or faulty coupling can be very costly because the water loss is not always easy to spot. Careful attention to the signs of a water leak can help minimize costly water bills. Be aware of your normal consumption patterns. The most common symptom of an underground water leak is consistent/worsening high consumption. One of the best ways to catch a leak quickly is to pay attention to your bill and investigate high consumption. Also, search for unusual soggy spots in the general vicinity of your water line. Unusual wet spots not caused by precipitation, ground settlement, or watering is often a sign of an underground water leak. Check the area carefully. Often the effects of an underground leak may surface several yards away from the actual leak.
Find your main shut-off valve
Don’t wait until you have a water leak or emergency. Imagine the panic if water started pouring through the house or business from a broken pipe. Locate the main shut-off valve, mark it, and make sure everyone in your household or business knows where it is.
Call Spotsylvania County Utilities Customer Service Team
When the above measures fail to identify the cause of unusually high consumption, customers should report the problem to the Utilities Customer Service Team. They have several methods they can use to help you identify if water is still flowing through the meter when all faucets are closed; if water continues to pass through the meter, you may have a leak.