Operations & Maintenance - Be a Leak Detector

Finding water leaks can save you water, which means saving money.  Saving money is good!  Learn more below about detecting leaks in your home, or download our printer-friendly (PDF) "Be a Leak Detector" flyer.

Check for Leaks 

Examples	Steps to Check for leaks
	1.  Locate your water meter. Water meters are usually located in the sidewalk or parking strip in front of or on the side of your house (see photo 1). Can't find your meter? Give Utility Billing a call at 360.753.8340.  We are happy to help!
	2.  Turn off all water faucets and appliances that use water. If you have a sprinkler irrigation system (photo 2) turn off the controller or close the isolation valve to shut off the flow of water to the system.
	3.  Open the lid of the meter box as well as the protective meter register lid with a screwdriver. Take a meter reading using both the rotary numbers and the red sweep hand (in photo 3, the reading would be 75,287.8 cubic feet). After 10 minutes, record another meter reading.

Compare your readings. If the reading has increased, then you may have a leak. If the reading has remained the same, then you do not have any leaks. Note there is another way to check for leaks; your meter may have a triangular disc that is commonly called a leak indicator (see photo 3 above). If your shut-off valve is closed and it is spinning, you have a leak. 

Finding Your Leak

To find out if the leak is in your home or underground:

1. Locate the shut-off valve for your home. (Note: This is different from the shut-off valve located at the meter. The meter shut-off valve is owned by the City and is to be operated by City personnel only.  Any damage to the meter valve may be billed to the responsible party.)
2. It is usually located somewhere between the meter and your home.
3. It may be located indoors or outdoors.
4. You may have multiple shut-off valves.
5. You may not have a shut-off valve at all. If this is the case, we advise that you have one installed.
6. Close the shut-off valve and then take a reading of your meter.
7. Wait ten minutes, then take another reading. If the reading has increased, then you have an underground leak between the water meter and the shut-off valve.
8. If the reading is the same, then the leak is inside your home. Check for running toilets and faucets. 

Finding a Toilet Leak

EXAMPLES	stEPS TO CHECK FOR LEAKS
	1.  Remove the cover from your toilet reservoir. 2.  Flush the toilet. 3.  After the flapper valve has shut on its own, but while the reservoir is still filling with water, add two or three drops of food coloring to the water in the reservoir. 4.  Wait 15 to 30 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, the flapper valve may need to be replaced (see photo 4).

Questions?

For more information about conserving water in your home, please contact our Water Conservation Program at 360.753.8271 or waterwise@ci.olympia.wa.us. The City of Olympia offers many water conservation items, such as hose repair kits, for FREE! Learn more about your conservation options.  

Contact Information

• Visit our City Services page for links to other City Services and contact information (phone numbers).
• Contact us at publicworks@ci.olympia.wa.us