Discovering a wet spot or pool of water in your yard often indicates a leak. Common sources include the main service line or your irrigation system. Here’s how to isolate these areas and use your water meter to find the leak.
Checking the Service Line for Leaks
- Turn Off the Water at Your Home’s Shutoff Valve:
- Locate the shutoff valve where your service line enters your home, often in the front or basement.
- Turn off the valve to stop water flow to your house.
- Locate and Read Your Water Meter:
- Find the water meter box near the curb and lift the lid.
- Check if water is moving through the meter. If it is, the leak is in your service line.
Reading the Water Meter:
- Analog Meter: Look for movement in the main dial hand or the low-flow indicator (triangle or star).
- Digital Meter: Observe the flow rate. A non-zero flow rate indicates a leak.
Common Leak Locations in the Service Line:
- Near the Shutoff Valve: The junction between copper and PVC pipes can crack and leak.
- At Fittings: Leaks often occur at pipe fittings, especially where the service line turns or passes under driveways.
Checking the Irrigation System for Leaks
- Turn the House Shutoff Valve Back On:
- Allow water to flow into your irrigation system.
- Ensure All Appliances and Faucets Are Off:
- Make sure nothing in your home is using water during the test.
- Check the Water Meter Again:
- If the meter shows water use, the leak might be in your irrigation system.
- Turn off the valve to the irrigation system. If the meter stops recording water use, the leak is confirmed in the irrigation system.
Common Leak Locations in the Irrigation System:
- Between Backflow Preventer and Irrigation Valve Box: Leaks can occur in this segment.
- Malfunctioning Valve Inside Valve Box: Faulty valves can cause leaks.
Get Professional Help
If you’ve identified the source of the leak, it’s time to call a professional plumber to fix it. For reliable plumbing services, contact Upshaw Plumbing at (770) 298-7811 or visit Upshaw Plumbing.
