Costs of Leaks
If you have a leak, your water use will increase and remain elevated until fixed, affecting your water consumption charges.
Water Service Pipe Leak
A continuous leak from a hole in a water service pipe can cost you.
Size of Hole | Amount and Cost of Water Wasted |
|---|---|
1/16″ hole | Wastes 3.57 m³ (3,570 litres) in 24 hours |
1/8″ hole | Wastes 14 m³ (14,000 litres) in 24 hours: |
3/16″ hole | Wastes 32.13 m³ (32,130 litres) in 24 hours: |
Toilet Leak
A leaky toilet can waste up to 600+ cubic metres a month or 20 cubic metres a day:
Amount of Wasted Water | Cost of Wasted Water |
|---|---|
20 m³ (20,000 litres) | $91.84/day |
600 m³ (600,000 litres) | $2755.20/month |
How to Check if You Have a Leak
- Log onto Watersmart which is an online tool that allows you to track your water use by day, week, month or year.
- Watch your Meter Dial: The face of the water meter features a red triangle that spins as water flows through the meter. To check for leaks, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and observe the meter. Any movement of the red triangle while not using any water may indicate the presence of a water leak in your system. You may wish to contact a plumber to investigate further.
- Conduct a Dye Test on your Toilet: Toilets are a common cause of leaks. To check for leaks, place food colouring or dye test tablets (available at home improvement stores) in the tank at the back of your toilet. Do not flush. Wait and observe for 10-15 minutes. If the colour seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak.