Leak Detection
Detecting water leaks early can help prevent costly damage and reduce unnecessary water usage. Fort Saskatchewan provides tips and tools to help residents identify leaks in their homes, monitor water consumption, and take action to protect their property and conserve resources.
To check if you have a water leak record your meter dial at the end of the day when you are sure no more water will be used for the day. Do not flush the toilet during the night. Ensure your humidifier is turned off. In the morning check your meter dial before anyone has used any water. If the read has changed you have a leak.
Protect yourself from paying for water leaks
If you are going to be away for an extended period of time turn off your water valve to avoid the costs of unnoticed water leaks or potential water theft.
Simple Leak Checks You Can Do
Check your toilets
The toilets in your home could be causing your consumption to increase if they are not functioning properly.
To check for a leaking toilet:
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Put food colouring in your toilet tank: Check it in 15 minutes. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there's a leak. Most toilet leaks are due to the flapper not properly sealing. Replacing the flapper is an easy and inexpensive fix.
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Check the float valve: Lift the lid off the tank of the toilet and flush. After the water has risen to a certain level the float valve should stop the water. If the water continues to flow or the water going down the overflow tube, the float needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Check your taps
If your taps are leaking, a stream of water 1/32 of an inch uses 114 litres in 24 hours, over two months this could really add up. Even a small leak would add approximately $10.00 to your utility bill.
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Check your faucets and shower heads for leaks: One drip per second equals 23 litres of water per day.
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Outside: If outside faucets or hoses drip, replace the seal.
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Check washing machine lines: check behind the washing machine for any moisture. The connections and lines should be dry.
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Irrigation systems: Leaks are common and difficult to locate. Regular maintenance should be completed. Contact your irrigation contractor if you suspect a leak.
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Humidifiers: Depending on the model you choose and the size of your home, a humidifier uses from 7 to 90 litres per day when the furnace is operating
Check your meter
There are two different kinds of meters:
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ICE Meter: To check for a leak make sure all water in the house is turned off. If the black triangle on your meter is moving, you have a leak.
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iPERL Beter: To check for a leak make sure all water in the house is turned off and read the Flow Direction Empty Pipe Indicator (number 4). If there is a plus sign in the middle of this circle, water is passing through the meter. You can also monitor the ninth number to the far right to check for leaks.