There are several reasons why you’d want to be able to read your water meter. First, you might be interested in just how much water you use in a day. By reading your meter at the beginning and the end of the day, you can compare the two totals to tell how much water you and your family used. The second reason is to check for leaks. If you turn off all of the taps in your house, look at your meter and it is turning, chances are you have a leak somewhere. Below are some tips to help you find and read your water meter.
Your water meter is generally located near the curb in front of your home. Water meters are typically housed in a concrete box usually marked “water”. Carefully remove the lid by using a tool such as a large screwdriver or pliers. Visually examine the area around the meter to make sure there are no harmful insects or other animals.
If you can’t find your meter, or need assistance please call YLWD’s customer service at (714) 701-3050.
Here a few steps to help determine if you may have a leak and where it may be. For information on water usage and conservation visit www.bewaterwise.com.
To test for leaks in your plumbing system, stop all indoor and outdoor water use activity. Check and record the numbers on your water meter. Wait two to four hours (overnight if possible), then record your water meter numbers. If the numbers have changed water is leaking somewhere in your plumbing system. Be sure water softeners or filters are not operating.
Some leaks are too slow to move the dial. Turn off the water at the meter and wait a few hours. When you slowly turn the water back on, if the water rushed to fill the pipes, you may have a leak.
Turn off the house valve to determine if the leak is inside the house. This is usually located at a hose bib on an outside wall in a direct line from the water meter. If the meter dial still moves, you should investigate the possibility of a leak in the line between the meter and the house.
Leaks in your irrigation system won’t always show on your meter due to their separate shut-off valves. To find leaks, walk your irrigation lines. Check for unusual wet spots, leaky or broken sprinkler heads, and use your meter to measure total irrigation use. Locate all hose bibs and check for leaks or drips. Replace the washers if there are any leaks.
Check the toilets. Put dye tablets or a few drops of food coloring in the tank. Don’t flush. Wait 10 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, there is a leak in the toilet mechanism. Repair leaks as soon as possible.
Free toilet dye tablets are available at our Customer Service counter upon request.
We offer FREE Water Use Surveys for your home or business! Our team will check for leaks, inspect your irrigation system, and recommend ways to reduce water use—contact our Customer Service Team at 714-701-3000 for assistance.
