Checking for Leaks

If your water usage for a billing period seems to be higher than "normal" ask yourself:

  • Is this the first water bill you've received at this address?
  • Did the use of the property change since your last water bill?
  • Have you had any leaks or frozen pipes?
  • Did you fill your children's pool in the hot weather?
  • Are you or your tenants using washing machines or dishwasher?
  • Did you install an irrigation system?
  • Has your family increased in size?
  • Have you recently needed to replace your water heater or boiler?

If you have a multi-family or commercial property, you might also ask yourself:

  • Do you have new tenants?
  • Did you have problem tenants?
  • Do you have outside faucets that are being heavily used?
  • Do you have water cooled air conditioning units?

If you determine there were no unusual high usage events such as filling a swimming pool, starting a new lawn, or having plumbing work done to repair a faulty fixture since your last billing, we suggest you do the following:

1) Check the "leak detector" on the meter. The small triangular dial is the low flow indicator that moves when water is passing through the meter. If no water is being used inside or outside your home, this dial should be still. If you have a Badger digital meter, wait for the display to scroll to gallons per minute, if the water is being used it will register here.  If you have a Badger E-Series meter, put your finger over the photo eye to scroll the display.

  1. If the dial is moving, which indicates water usage, do the following:
    1. Check your toilets for leaks. The toilet uses approximately 30% of the water in your home and if it is leaking you may  not hear it.  Do this simple test. Put a couple of drops of food coloring in the tank of the toilet. If, after 15 minutes, the dye appears in the bowl, the toilet has a leak. Also check your sinks, bathtubs, and showers for leaks.
    2. Check the accuracy of the reading. Your last meter reading is on your bill. Read your meter and make sure the number is higher than the reading on the bill. If the meter indicates a lower number, we may have misread the meter. If this is the case, call the office and on our technicians will come out and reread the meter after which the office will correct your bill.
    3. If you can't find any leaks, please call the office for further advice and assistance.

This information and other important tips can be found on the CT Section AWWA website.