Water Leaks and High Bills

To Determine if You Have a Leak

If you have a higher than average water bill, you may have a leak. Leaks can occur in toilets, pipes, faucets, water heaters, ice machines, dishwashers, washing machines, and irrigation systems.

• Locate your water meter, usually in the ground under a cement cover (with an EBMUD logo) by the street near the curb.
• Lift the cement cover to the side, then flip open the hinged lid of the meter inside. You'll find either a straight-reading or round-reading dial.
• On straight-reading meters, use the large needle to test. On round-reading dials, the test dial will be labeled "one-foot" or won't have any markings. For more information, see About Your Meter.
• Make sure all indoor and outside faucets are shut off tightly and no one is using water. Mark the needle(s) by laying a straight pin or toothpick exactly on top.
• Do not use any water for half an hour. If the test needles moved, you probably have a leak. Certain leaks may occur intermittently, like a running toilet or faulty swimming pool fill valve, and don't register continuously at the meter. Check all plumbing fixtures to identify fixtures in need of repair including faucets, toilets, water heaters, and irrigation systems. Determine if the leak is inside or outside by locating the main shut-off valve (usually at the front of the house under an outside faucet). If the dial moves while the main house valve is off, you likely have an underground leak.
• Look for overly green or wet spots between the meter and house valve, and look for surface water or wet spot(s) elsewhere that may indicate an irrigation system leak.

Other Causes of High Bills

High water bills may also be caused by frequent watering of a new or existing lawn or landscaping; a faulty irrigation timer; filling a swimming pool; an increase in the number of occupants or employees in a household or business; water theft; and open faucets or irrigation systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About Leaks At Your Home

What is EBMUD's responsibility regarding repairing leaks at a water meter?
EBMUD is responsible for the repair of leaks on the street side of the meter and for repairing the meter itself, including the threads on the customer's side of the meter. Any pipe repairs on the customer's side of the meter are the customer's responsibility. EBMUD is not able to provide recommendations for specific plumbers or advise you about specific repairs for your home.

I have a high bill, but can't find a leak. What's going on?
High water bills may also be caused by frequent watering of a new or existing lawn or landscaping; a faulty irrigation timer; filling a swimming pool; an increase in the number of occupants or employees in a household or business; water theft; and open faucets or irrigation systems. Here are some tips:

• Go to the EBMUD WaterSmart Center for water-saving tips and information about EBMUD programs that help you save water.
• Request a free Do-It-Yourself water audit kit be sent to your service address. EBMUD's Waterwise Self-Survey Kit can help you find and fix leaks, check water flow rates, and save money on your water bill. When you return the survey form in the kit, EBMUD will mail you (free of charge) low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and other water-saving devices and information.
• Contact EBMUD to schedule a free water survey for your home. A Water Conservation Representative will come out to discuss your current indoor and outdoor water usage and offer suggestions on how you can save water. Email: custsvc@ebmud.com or phone toll free: 1-866-40-EBMUD (1-866-403-2683).

Are there organizations that can help me with minor home repairs?
Yes. Alameda County Housing and Community Development provides relief for minor plumbing repairs for customers in Alameda, Albany, Emeryville, Hayward, Oakland, Piedmont, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo and some unincorporated areas. Call 510-670-5398 or visit their website at www.acgov.org/cda/nps/.

For More Information

For more information about leaks in your home or leaks in the street, see the documents below, PDF files which can be viewed and printed with Adobe Acrobat Reader, a free software.