Waterleaks are Costly

Waterleaks are Costly By Maurice Brenner Regional Councillor Ward 1 Pickering As a Regional Councillor I have been receiving an increasing number of calls regarding a higher than normal water bill. While rates have increased in an effort to ensure adequate funds are available to cover the infrastructure required to provide clean water to your home along with the charge for sanitary/waste disposal, I am finding that more and more residents have been impacted by a water leak resulting in a substantial increase on their Water Bill which is why I want to focus on some simple tests you can do before it costs you. Ways to Spot a Water Leak before it costs you! Did you know that water leaks in your home are very common. A majority of leaks are silent, and are hard to spot. These silent leaks can end up causing a higher-than-usual water and sanitary/wastewaterbill. Here are some simple tips to help detect a leak before it costs you and could save the cost of ripping apart your walls and ceilings. Check Your water Meter for consumption: Water consumption is measured by the amount of water that passes through your water meter. Before going to bed, write down the number on your water meter. In most homes the water meter is located in the basement towards the front of your home. Do not run sprinklers, appliances or toilets overnight. When you get up, check the number on your meter. If the number has changed, this indicates water has been running through it which means there is a possibility that you have a water leak somewhere inside or your house. Once you have determined a possible leak, before you call the plumber, check your toilets as well as a visual check for dripping facets. By narrowing it down, you save the cost of the plumber looking for the problem. How to Test for leaks: One of the most likely causes of a high water and wastewater bill is a running toilet. The best way to check for a running toilet is to: i Remove the tank lid from the back of the toilet. ii Put a dye tablet or five drops of food colouring in the toilet tank. You can also use Worcestershire sauce or another dark liquid. iii Close the toilet lid and wait 30 minutes – It is important not to use or flush the toilet during this time. After 30 minutes look at the water in the toilet bowl to determine if the the dyed water has found its way into into the bowel. If the bowl is clear and all that means the toilet likely doesn’t have a leak. iv Repeat this with every toilet in your home. v If you not been able to confirm the source is a running toilet, conduct a visual check of each of your facets, a little drip surprisingly adds up. A hot water drip will also increase your other utility bills Once you have confirmed the source or if unable to find the source call a licensed plumber, but if at all possible avoid the weekends when you will be paying a premium. There is no point in calling Durham Region since they are not responsible for any water leaks inside your home.