Leak Detection Advice

Here's a chart to help you understand how much water can be lost from even the tiniest leak.  Please help us conserve the precious resource; fix all leaking pipes and hoses or turn off the water. Also please report any water main or leaky flush valves to us immediately at 817-220-7707. Don't assume that someone else has called first!

Detecting Leaks Around the House:

• Check the Garden: Look at hoses, faucets, and drip irrigation systems.
• Check the line running from the meter to the house: While this may sound difficult. However, it may save you money if you locate the leak for the plumber.

Locating Leaks by Process of Elimination:

Before beginning this process make sure you have all cut-off valves located, accessible, all faucets are off, and nothing is knowingly running in the house.

• Located the Water Meter box, remove the lid ensuring that the transmitter wire is not damaged in this process.  You might have to clean the dirt out of the box in order to view the meter.  If you need assistance in determining how to read your specific water meter visit the Meter Reading section of this website.  When looking at the meter if water is flowing through the meter (numbers are moving) then there is a leak.
• Temporarily shut off the main cut-off valve to the house (should be close to the house), then check the meter.  If, the flow of water has stopped, the leak is associated with the house (ex: toilet, tub, etc.).  If the flow of water hasn't stopped, the leak is between the house and the meter.
• If the property has an irrigation system turn off the main shut off and check the meter.  If the flow of water has stopped, then the leak is on the irrigation system (ex: head, pipe, etc...).

• Checking for leaks inside the home: If it was determined that the leak is associated with the house turn on the main cut-off valve to the house.  Then turn off each cut-off valve seperately and checking the meter each time to verify whether or not the flow has stopped. It is a good idea to start with the toilets, because 20% of usage is accosiated with these fixtures. Don't forget to check the Pressure Release Valve (blow off valve) on the hot water heater, as on newer homes these are routed so the water exists the home through a pipe located on the outside of the home.  Once everything has been ruled out, but nothing has stopped the flow of water it is possible that the leak is in the wall or under the slab and you may want to consult a plumber.

• Check the toilet for leaks: By removing the top off the tank and listening very closely.  If you hear any hissing at all, try to locate where it is coming from; this is usually an indication that the ball cock assembly needs to be replaced.  To correct this turn off the water to the toilet via the cut-off valve typically located under the tank on the wall.  Drain the tank, remove the hose attached to the ball cock assembly under the tank and remove assembly.  Repeat steps in a decending order to install new assembly; making sure water level is not to high on fill pipe.  You can also add food coloring to the tank and if it leaks into the bowl this is usually an indication to change out the flapper.  You can also check the tank water level in comparison to the filler pipe. If the water level is close to the top rim of this pipe any vibration can potentially cause the toilet to run unnecessarily. To correct this adjust the ball cock lower in the tank an upon flushing it will lower the tank water level.