• Where do I begin to investigate to see if there is a leak somewhere in my house?
• Where are the shut off valves located to shut off my water supply?
• Why is there a heavy wire attached to each side of the meter on the water supply line?

Where do I begin to investigate to see if there is a leak somewhere in my house?

 First, you will want to locate your water meter. The water meter is usually located in the basement somewhere on the front wall of the house, in a laundry room or in a utility closet. Now that you have located your meter, look at the low flow dial located on the register head (link to low flow indicator in metering section). If the low flow dial is moving than it is likely that you have a leak. The next step will be to check all of the toilets to see if they are leaking. The following are some things to check to locate your leak.

1. Go into each bathroom and listen for any running water sounds.
2. Lift the lid for the tank and see if the water level is too high and is running into the overflow tube. If the water level is too high, adjust the float tube to lower the level. It may be leaking at the diaphragm. If this is the case, you will have to replace the entire ball cock assembly.
3. Next, lift the seat lid and look to see if there is any water moving around in the bowl. Each toilet has a shut off valve on the supply line. Shut off all of the toilets and wait approximately 5 minutes. Return the supply of water to each toilet, one at a time, and listen to hear which toilet fills. If your toilet is leaking it is probably time to change the flapper valve or the ball cock assembly. These can be purchased at any hardware store and are easy to install.

Where are the shut off valves located to shut off my water supply?

The shut off valves for the supply of water to the home are located on either side of your water meter.

Why is there a heavy wire attached to each side of the meter on the water supply line?

The problem of electrical shock has long been a recognized safety concern for the Authority's meter service personnel. Water meters often become electrically charged because electricians and homeowners ground electrical wiring to the water pipes. NWWA policy discourages this practice and specifies that a bonding wire be installed on the water line around the meter. This electrical bypass ensures that the electrical ground will not be broken when the meter is removed from the water line.

Many types of electrical failures in the home including malfunctioning appliances or deteriorating wire insulation can charge the meter by making the water line an active electrical ground. Home and business owners should periodically inspect the bonding wire for continuity and corrosion and, if necessary, repair or replace it.