If your water consumption increased significantly and there is no explanation for this increase such as watering the lawn, filling a pool or an increased number of people in your household, you may have a leak. Identifying and fixing leaks will save you money.

Check for toilet leaks – they are the most common

Toilets are the number one source of water leaks inside the home so this is the best place to start a leak detection. Because a toilet leak can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, it is important to regularly test your toilets and quickly repair any leaks you discover.

To determine if a toilet is leaking, place some dye such as food coloring, Kool-Aid, cola or brewed coffee in the tank of the toilet before you go to bed. Do not flush or use the toilet during the test. If you see any of the color in the bowl of the toilet the next morning, then you know you have a leak that needs to be repaired.

If you discover that you have a toilet leak, make sure the lift chain is free of kinks and that you don't have any mineral buildup around your valves that might prevent them from sealing properly. You can also use the adjustment screw on the overflow pipe to lower the water level in the tank to keep it from flowing into the overflow pipe. Most overflow pipes have a line on the pipe that indicates where the water level needs to be. If the flapper valve or plunger ball isn't properly sealing at the bottom of the toilet, you will also get leaks. Parts are available at your local hardware store to replace these items.

Other common sources of leaks

All water faucets (both inside & outside) 
Water heaters 
Ice makers
Water softeners
Outdoor sprinkler systems
Automatic humidifiers
Pools 

Let us know if you find a leak.

Please notify the Water Authority’s Customer Service Department when you discover your leak and after you have it repaired. This information will ensure that your bills continue to be accurate. Per our Rules and Regulations, you have 30 days in which to repair a leak in order to qualify for a possible adjustment on your bill. You are allowed only one leak adjustment every two years. We’ll need to see your repair receipts, so remember to keep copies. 

For a fee, the Water Authority can perform the following procedures: 

Re-check a meter reading $ 25.00*
Meter accuracy test on a removable meter $ 50.00*
Meter accuracy test on a non-removable meter $200.00*
*These fees will be waived if results indicate an error was made by the Water Authority.

Do you need additional assistance?

The Western Virginia Water Authority can answer any additional questions you have about leaks. Please contact Customer Service.