Leak Testing

On a direct read meter

  • direct_read_metGo to the meter and open the lid.  Clear out any sediment or debris in the meter box (this accumulates in every meter each month).
  • Verify the read from your last Manatee County Utilities Bill. (Read meter left to right just like a car odometer) .
  • Subtract the read appearing on your last statement from current read to get usage.
  • Current read: 23920, on the statement it would appear as 239 (we read in the hundreds and bill in the thousands).
  • To get the current usage subtract the current read from the read on the last statement (example the current read is 239 the last read was 228; the current usage would be 1100 gallons.
  • Look in the upper left hand corner of the meter.  There will be a flow indicator (a small red or black triangle). If all the water is off in the house (no toilets flushing, no sinks running) it should be perfectly still. If it moves or flutters at all water is moving through the meter and going somewhere.
  • To attempt to isolate the water flow turn off the main shut off valve for the house (usually ground level below one of your outside hose bibs).
    • If the flow indicator stops the flow of water is within the house. Possible causes are (but not limited to)
      • A leaking toilet flapper (see below for dye testing your toilet)
      • A leaking faucet
      • Hot water heater cycling
    • If the flow indicator continues to move the water flow is between the meter and the house. (Possible cause are, but not limited to)
      • Leaking backflow
      • Possible line compromise
    • If you are unable to isolate the water flow or unable to repair it you may want to consult a professional in your local phone book.

On a digital read meter:

digital_meter_read

  • Go to the meter (take a flashlight) and open the lid, clear out and sediment or debris in the meter box (this accumulates in every meter every month).
  • Open the flip top on the meter itself and shine the flashlight down on it (the display is light activated).
  • The read should toggle back and forth between the read and the flow rate.
  • Verify the read from your last Manatee County Utilities Bill. (Read meter left to right just like a car odometer) . Subtract the read appearing on your last statement from current read to get usage.
    • Current read: 5643.56, on the statement it would appear as 56 (we read in the hundreds and bill in the thousands).
    • To get the current usage subtract the current read from the read on the last statement (example the current read is 56 the last read was 45; the current usage would be 1100 gallons.
  • Check the flow rate (display will toggle between read and flow rate). If all the water in the house is off (no toilets flushing, no sinks running) the flow rate should read 0.0. if the display reads any other flow rate water is moving through the meter and going somewhere.
  • To attempt to isolate the water flow turn off the main shut off valve for the house (usually ground level below one of your outside hose bibs).
    • If the flow rate reads 0.0 the flow of water is within the house. Possible cause are (but not limited to)
      • A leaking toilet flapper (see below for dye testing your toilet)
      • A leaking faucet
      • Hot water heater cycling
    • If the flow indicator continues to read other than 0.0 the water flow is between the meter and the house. (Possible causes are, but not limited to)
      • Leaking backflow
      • Possible line compromise
    • If you are unable to isolate the water flow or unable to repair it you may want to consult a professional in your local phone book.