Checking for Water Leaks

If your meter reading is increasing without cause, you may want to check for a leak. 

1. Turn off all faucets, etc., and check your water meter to see if it is turning. 
2. Use a screwdriver or tool to lift the lid off the water meter box, and uncover or clean off the meter glass.  If filled with dirt pushed in by a mole, use a garden trowel to find the meter. 
3. Record the number on the face of the meter; all meters read in gallons.  A small triangle on most meters turns with the least flow.  If the small triangle or meter dial is turning even slightly, you may have a leak.
4. Turn off all toilet valves.  Then, turn all water appliances back on -- one at a time -- and check the meter for each.  Any motion in the meter dial or triangle could mean water seals need replacing.  A leaking toilet (at 1/2 gallon per minute) can cost as much as $90 each month. 
5. Turn off any irrigation valves and outside faucets and again check the water meter.  After these investigations, if your meter does not stop turning, please call Public Works at 503.812.9214.

There is no need to call if the meter is not turning; however, check it a few times to see if the numbers increase when everything is off. Even a small leak becomes costly over time.