If your water bill unexpectedly increases but your water usage patterns have not changed, following some of the simple steps below may help determine why:
- Locate your meter in front of your home/business by the street in a black or concrete box. Verify the reading on the meter. The reading should be equal to or slightly higher than the reading on the most current water bill. If the reading is less than on the bill, please contact our office at 205-620-6420. If the reading is higher let’s move on to the next step.
- A leak indicator is positioned between the 7 and 8 on the dial. The indicator will vary in shape and color. If it is moving when no water is being used in or outside the home/business that indicates water loss. (Skip to water loss section). If it is not moving continue to step 3.
- Record the reading from your meter, do not use in water in or outside your home/business for at least 2 hours and check the reading again. A change in the readings indicates water loss.
Leak indicator is located to the left of the center of the dial – between 7 & 8.
Water loss could be inside or outside the home/business.
Check toilets. If the leak indicator is turning, turn one toilet off and recheck leak indicator for movement and continue until all toilets have been checked. A dye test can also be performed by flushing toilet and while tank is filling add 2 or 3 drops of food coloring to the water in the tank. Wait 15-30 minutes. If water in the bowl changes colors, then the flapper needs replacing. Be sure to flush and clean the bowl of food coloring to avoid stains.
Check faucets, under sinks in kitchens and baths.
Check ice makers.
Check water heaters.
If all inside sources have been checked you may need to go to outside sources; faucets, irrigation system or water line between home/business and meter. Turn the valve off to the home/business located in a garage, basement, where the water enters home/business or located by the water meter. If the leak indicator continues to move, that would indicate a leak on one of your outside sources.