Do you suspect that you have a water leak, but can’t really find it? One way for you to determine where you do have a water leak is by reading your water meter. Knowing how to read your water meter can help you not only reduce your water consumption but save money as well.
If you want to learn more about water leak detection and how to read your water meter, feel free to continue reading below for more details.
How To Read Your Water Meter
First off, let’s discuss how to read your water meter.
A water meter is what measures the amount of water that each property uses. It is commonly situated outside towards the front of the property. However, if you live in an apartment, you may need to investigate having an individual meter.
Your water meter may present different coloured numbers or backgrounds. Numbers with a black background represent kiloliters and the three red numbers and/or dials represent the number of litres used.
When reading the water meter, read only the first three red numbers. The numbers should be read from left to right, whereas dials should be read in a clockwise direction. If you struggle to read your water meter, try contacting a licenced plumber to help you out.
Ideally, all households should read their water meters every week or so. Checking your water meter monthly or quarterly is also recommended. It is important to record your meter readings to detect any sudden increases which can be an indicator of a hidden water leak. This will also prompt you to contact a plumber before the water leak gets worse.
Using Your Water Meter To Detect Leaks
If you want to detect water leaks by using your water meter, then try the following steps below:
- Locate your water meter and write down the numbers that are shown.
- Turn off all water taps and ensure that water does not run or is not in use for the next hour.
- After one hour has passed, check the water meter reading again and identify if there are changes. If the numbers did change, then this can indicate a leak.
- If there is a leak, the first area to check is the toilets. Turn off the water valves of the toilet and then repeat steps 1 to 3.
- If numbers haven’t changed, then you may have a leaking toilet. You can double-check by putting a little food colouring into the toilet cistern. If the colouring appears in the bowl without flushing, the cistern will need to be repaired. (Note: After the test, flush your toilet twice so that the food colouring does not stain your toilet bowl).
- If the numbers have increased, however, this means that there can be a leak elsewhere on your property. In this case, it is recommended to contact a licensed plumber to help you detect and identify water leaks.
Summary
If you suspect that you have a water leak in your property but you can’t tell where it is, reading your water meter is one way to discover if there really is a leak or not.
Water meters will have a combination of black numbers and red numbers or dials. The black numbers represent kiloliters while the red numbers or dials represent litres, and the numbers should be read left to right.
There are steps to detect leaks, but if it turns out that these steps do not work out it is best to call a licensed plumber to help carry out the job before irreparable damage is caused.
If you suspect you have a water leak, please call us at Water Leak Detection for a free consultation today on 1300 425 325 or leave an inquiry on our website.
