Checking Usage on Remote-Reading Meters

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The paragraphs below detail a systematic approach for identifying potential causes of increased usage. While failure of the water meter seems like a likely suspect, it is usually not. When water meters fail they slow down rather than speed up. The most common cause being a jamming of the meter mechanism from either debris in the water line or a build up of deposits on the internal surfaces.

Even though the water meter may not have failed, GREINER BILLINGS may have erred in reading, recording or transcribing usage data. Your water meter has an odometer-like readout on its face and is also wired to a remote readout device on the exterior of your residence. Compare the ending reading on the bill with the readout on the remote readout device; if the remote readout is less, then there’s been an obvious error.

Failing that, it is time to do some preliminary checking for leaks. In addition to the previously mentioned odometer-like readout, the water mater dial also has a large sweep hand which registers water flow and a small pinwheel-like device called a low-flow indicator. Make sure that you’re not using water in the residence and then look at the low flow indicator on the meter. Check to make sure all faucets, sprinklers etc. are turned off. If the pinwheel is moving at all, then water is somehow being used on the premises or is leaking.

By far and away, the most common culprit(s) is one or more leaky toilets. It is possible for toilets to be slowly leaking even if you can’t hear the leak or see any water movement in the bowl. Even slow toilet leaks can double or triple water usage on a property. Test all your toilets by waiting until everyone has gone to bed for the night. Lift the lid off the water tank of each toilet and inject a large enough amount of food coloring to turn the contents very dark in color. In the morning check both the water tank and the bowl of each toilet. If the water in the water tank is clear or much lighter in color or there is color in the toilet bowl, your toilet flapper valve is leaking. If there is no color left in the tank or bowl, the leak is fairly fast. Either way, you need to replace the flapper valve mechanism in the water tank. If the color stays in the water tank with none in the bowl, your toilet appears to be okay.

If none of the above actions reveal the source of the problem, you may have a leak between the water meter and the residence or in the residence itself. The final alternative is to seek the services of a professional plumber who has the training and specialized electronic equipment required for leak detection services. Insist on current electronic technology, not a visual inspection. See the 'Additional Resources' section of the "Contact Us" page.