It surprises many to learn that the City is a water customer as just like you. Not only do we pay bills for our three buildings, Lathrup also purchases the water that is delivered to our home from the Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA). So we have a few tips to help you discover possible leaks in your home. Very few people realize that leaks and faulty plumbing can be so expensive.
Use your water meter to check for possible invisible leaks. Turn off all water taps inside and outside of the house and watch the ten gallon indicator to see if it moves. By timing the movement you can determine how many gallons are being wasted per minute/per hour - 1 gallon in 10 minutes equals 13,000 gallons in 3 months. (1 unit = 1000 gallons)
Some leaks can be seen (Leaky Faucets, etc.). Frequently costly leaks cannot be seen or heard. (Toilet flush tanks, water-cooled air conditioners, etc.). A continuous leak caused by water leaking through the flush tank overflow may waste over 48,000 gallons during in a single month and would add $800 extra to your water and sewage bill.
Check flush tank of toilet by placing laundry detergent in tank and watching bowl to see if it leaks through. Should you discover a leak in your water system, turn the job over to the family “Handy Man” or call a plumber – but whatever you do, see that it is fixed.
It is our hope that this communication will lead to a better understanding and possibly save you needless expense.
The Facts on Leaks