Have you got a water leak?
Have you got a water leak? Leaking pipes, toilets and taps can waste a lot of water, leading to a high water bill. A tap that drips once every second will waste up to 33 litres each day! If you think you’ve got a water leak you can do a simple leak test. Take a look at the other side of this flyer to see what you need to do.
Checking for a water leak is easy 1 First make sure you are not using any water. Don’t run any water, flush the
toilet, use the washing machine or perform any other activity that uses water while you check for a leak. It is best to check for a leak overnight when no water is being used.
2 Find your water meter. It is usually just inside the front boundary of your
property, in a timber/plastic/concrete/metal box. Lift the box cover to reveal your meter.
3 You may need to remove leaves and debris, or flip up the protective cover to read the meter dial.
4 Lift the lid and read the meter dial figures from left to right, and write the figures in the box below:
First reading Litres (red)
Kilolitres(black) 5
Replace the meter lid. Ensure you replace the meter lid securely.
6 Wait for at least two hours (or overnight, if possible). Remember not to use any water. Read the meter again, then write the second reading in the box below:
Second reading Kilolitres(black)
Litres (red)
7 Replace the meter lid. Ensure you replace the meter lid securely. 8
ubtract the first reading from the second reading. If there is a difference, S you may have a leak!
Example Second reading (from Step 6)
Your reading
6543 211
First reading (from Step 4)
–
6542 129
The amount of water ‘lost’ during my leak test
=
1 082
9 If the leak test confirms that you have a water leak you need to fix it.
We recommend you use a registered plumber for any repairs. All leaks on your side of the meter are your responsibility.
If you advise Watercare of your leak and have had it repaired, you may be able to apply for a leak allowance rebate. Refer to www.watercare.co.nz for information on how to apply.
08_01_14
www.watercare.co.nz (09) 442 2222
Checking for a water leak is easy 1 First make sure you are not using any water. Don’t run any water, flush the
toilet, use the washing machine or perform any other activity that uses water while you check for a leak. It is best to check for a leak overnight when no water is being used.
2 Find your water meter. It is usually just inside the front boundary of your
property, in a timber/plastic/concrete/metal box. Lift the box cover to reveal your meter.
3 You may need to remove leaves and debris, or flip up the protective cover to read the meter dial.
4 Lift the lid and read the meter dial figures from left to right, and write the figures in the box below:
First reading Litres (red)
Kilolitres(black) 5
Replace the meter lid. Ensure you replace the meter lid securely.
6 Wait for at least two hours (or overnight, if possible). Remember not to use any water. Read the meter again, then write the second reading in the box below:
Second reading Kilolitres(black)
Litres (red)
7 Replace the meter lid. Ensure you replace the meter lid securely. 8
ubtract the first reading from the second reading. If there is a difference, S you may have a leak!
Example Second reading (from Step 6)
Your reading
6543 211
First reading (from Step 4)
–
6542 129
The amount of water ‘lost’ during my leak test
=
1 082
9 If the leak test confirms that you have a water leak you need to fix it.
We recommend you use a registered plumber for any repairs. All leaks on your side of the meter are your responsibility.
If you advise Watercare of your leak and have had it repaired, you may be able to apply for a leak allowance rebate. Refer to www.watercare.co.nz for information on how to apply.
08_01_14
www.watercare.co.nz (09) 442 2222
