A check of the reading on the water meter serving your home can help you find leaks and other problems which can affect your water bill.

First, familiarize yourself with how to read your water meter.

To check for a leak:

• Turn off all faucets in and around the house, including the outside hose bibs. Make certain all water devices are not operating (i.g.: hot water tank refilling, aquarium, pool refilling).

• Write down the reading on the register of your meter and mark the position of the register sweep hand on the glass face of the meter dial.

• Wait approximately 15 minutes and look at the meter again. If the sweep hand has moved or the reading has changed you may have a leak on your property. Locating and fixing a leak may require a plumber or other professional.

• Toilets are the most common source of household water leaks. As a rule, toilet leaks get worse over time. Click here for simple directions on how to check for toilet leaks.

• Another area to check is your lawn irrigation system, especially if it's automated and goes on when you are asleep or away from your home. Manually operate the stations and look for broken sprinkler heads. Also check for water bubbling from the ground, which could indicate a broken pipe.

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