My water bills are literally double comparing to my neighbors with the relatively same household. All appliances are relatively new and no toilet or any other leaks. I called the village several times to make sure nothing is wrong with the meter and according to them when meter is broken I would be paying less and not over. Last year we left for almost two month and I received relatively the same bill. Is there a way to check the actual water usage besides this 15 years old meter?
High water bills, no leaks. How to check the actual water usage?
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Learn to read your meter to some extent. Many water meters have a hand or indicator that is more sensitive. Note that hand/indicator position -- maybe take a photo. Compare later after you think no water has been used.
Besides a toilet, as Sylvan pointed out, a water softener seal could let water go to the drain when it should not.
I expect there is a valve that will let you turn off water to your unit (or do you have a free-standing house?).
Besides a toilet, as Sylvan pointed out, a water softener seal could let water go to the drain when it should not.
I expect there is a valve that will let you turn off water to your unit (or do you have a free-standing house?).
Your water meter likely has a leak indicator like this one https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Check-a-Water-Meter-for-a-Leak/
You left for almost 2 months and left the water on? You’re a brave man. I turn off my main to the house if I’m going to be gone more than 24 hours. My friend had a ice maker line to his fridge spring a leak when he was gone for months. He came back to a mold infested house. It took over 6 moths and $45,000 to do the mold remediation. Mold was in flooring, drywall furniture, cabinets etc.
We have a checklist at the house and the cabin that we use when leaving and retuning.
Turn off water to house or when leaving cabin turn off well pump breaker.
turn off water heater breaker
Turn off washer and dryer breakers
Set the AC to 82 degrees (it’s Florida and 82 deg runs the AC long enough to keep the humidity down)
Lock all doors
Set the burglar alarm
Make sure garage door is closed.
You left for almost 2 months and left the water on? You’re a brave man. I turn off my main to the house if I’m going to be gone more than 24 hours. My friend had a ice maker line to his fridge spring a leak when he was gone for months. He came back to a mold infested house. It took over 6 moths and $45,000 to do the mold remediation. Mold was in flooring, drywall furniture, cabinets etc.
We have a checklist at the house and the cabin that we use when leaving and retuning.
Turn off water to house or when leaving cabin turn off well pump breaker.
turn off water heater breaker
Turn off washer and dryer breakers
Set the AC to 82 degrees (it’s Florida and 82 deg runs the AC long enough to keep the humidity down)
Lock all doors
Set the burglar alarm
Make sure garage door is closed.
Jadnashua
Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx
Where is your meter versus the house? In some places, the meter is by the street, in others, it may be inside or at the wall of the house. If your meter is out by the street, do you have any extra green or squishy spots in your lawn?
If your house is on a slab and the line runs underneath, you could have a leak there that may not be super evident. But, a toilet can slowly run and not sound like it is. Pull the cover(s) off of your toilets and verify that the water is not overflowing. A clue might be if there's condensation on the tank, depending on how cold your incoming water is and the humidity levels in the home.
If your house is on a slab and the line runs underneath, you could have a leak there that may not be super evident. But, a toilet can slowly run and not sound like it is. Pull the cover(s) off of your toilets and verify that the water is not overflowing. A clue might be if there's condensation on the tank, depending on how cold your incoming water is and the humidity levels in the home.
Dj2
In the Trades
1. First thing to check is the flow indicator inside the water meter (we have a turning triangle indicator) - with all faucets shut.
2. If there is a movement, you have water leaking out.
3. Do you see any puddles from the meter to the house?
4. Look at your toilet tank water level with supply water shut, then look again 2-3 hours later. If there is a drop, your flapper is leaking.
5. Do you have sprinkler pipes? Check the entire yard for soft muddy spots.
Now go to work.
2. If there is a movement, you have water leaking out.
3. Do you see any puddles from the meter to the house?
4. Look at your toilet tank water level with supply water shut, then look again 2-3 hours later. If there is a drop, your flapper is leaking.
5. Do you have sprinkler pipes? Check the entire yard for soft muddy spots.
Now go to work.
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