Water Leaks

Do you have a water leak?

Water leaks can significantly raise the chance of customers having a high bill. Need help finding them? Start with these how-to videos on ways to check for leaks in and around your home. 

Learn about leaks

Test your toilets

Did you know that a silent leak in a toilet can waste more than 40 gallons of water per day? To test your toilets for silent leaks:

• 1. Put a few drops of food coloring into the tank of the toilet. Do not flush the toilet for 15 minutes.
• 2. Check the bowl for colored water. Colored water appearing in the bowl indicates a toilet leak.

You can also detect a toilet leak by listening carefully to see if any of your toilets "run." A running toilet can waste up to five gallons per minute!

Repairing a toilet leak is usually simple and can often be done by replacing the flapper or fill valve, or adjusting the float.

Why is your water pressure low?

Common causes of low water pressure are incorrectly adjusted valves, a water leak, or use of water during peak demand times. If you experience low water pressure use these troubleshooting tips to help restore your normal water pressure.

How does a leak adjustment work?

After a customer detects a leak and repairs are made, if water usage goes back within allocation, we will re-bill the usage in the penalty tiers (inefficient and wasteful) at the conservation base rate. You are still responsible for paying for the water, but the usage over allocation is re-billed for you at the conservation rate.

Check your house valve

Your house valve is usually located at the hose bib. Adjust the house valve counter clockwise to ensure the valve is fully open. When the valve is in the "on" position it will be parallel with the hose bib. If the house valve is in the "off" position (pointing away from the hose bib) water flow to your home will be restricted.

Check your customer valve

Your customer valve is located in your meter box on the side closest to your home. This valve looks like a handle* and should turn easily by hand. Make sure the customer valve is fully open by turning the handle counter clockwise. The handle is parallel with the meter when it is in the "on" position.

*Customers in Lake Forest may have a different type of meter valve. Please contact Customer Service for assistance.

Check your pressure regulator

Sometimes pressure regulators need to be adjusted or serviced to restore normal water pressure to your home. Pressure regulators should be adjusted carefully. Incorrectly adjusting the regulator can result in water pressure that is too high or too low. Water pressure that is too high can cause some household appliances to malfunction. It is recommended that a qualified plumber make adjustments or repairs to your regulator.

Check for mineral deposits

If you are experiencing low pressure from one of the faucets in your home it may be due to mineral deposits. Mineral deposits from hard water can clog the aerators on faucets and shower heads. You can restore the water pressure by cleaning the aerators.

Do you have a water softener?

Customers may notice a decrease in the water pressure after having their water softener serviced. Please check to make sure the service person fully reopened the valve when the service or repairs were completed.

Could there be a leak?

Low water pressure can also be caused by an undetected leak. To detect a leak you can monitor your meter, use dye tablets to test your toilets, and check your sprinkler system for leaks.