Water Efficient Homes

The easiest way to know how much water you use is to calculate it from your water bill. Your water is measured in cubic metres (m3). One cubic metre (m3) = 1000 litres of water. Compare bills from same month each year for differences. You can also look for spikes—is your water use a lot higher this month than it was last month? There is also a consumption bar chart on your water bill that provides the last 12 months of water use. Large changes in usage can easily be seen here.

Learn more about your water bill by visiting alectrautilities.com/water-billing

Using your water meter to discover water leaks

You can calculate your water usage by looking at your water meter. Your water meter should be located near the front of your residence, either in the basement or crawl space where your water line comes into your home. This is also where you’ll find the home’s main water shut off valve. To discover water leaks in your home, follow these steps:

1. Locate the low flow indicator or sweep hand on the water meter face.
2. Turn a tap on and run the water slowly. Look at the low flow indicator and observe it rotating. Turn the tap off.
3. Check around the house to ensure that you are not using water. Turn off all taps, do not use any water and check to ensure outside hoses are turned off.
4. Go back to the water meter and observe the low flow indicator; it should not be rotating.
5. If the low flow indicator is not rotating, you do not have a leak.
6. If the low flow indicator is rotating, you may have a leak.

You may wish to contact a qualified tradesperson to help you find and repair any leaks. You can also download the Leak Detection Guide(PDF, 7.15 MB) for more water leak tips.

• Water-using devices can leak and cause damage to walls and floors, potentially creating an environment for mold or mildew, so check for signs of moisture or mold on your walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Look for continuous leaks in supply lines, fittings and valves.
• Look for leaks caused by corrosion, such as a rusty water heater bottom.
• Leaks may be intermittent, meaning they only occur when a water-using device is in operation. Run water-using devices, such as a clothes washer or dishwasher, to see if a leak occurs while running.

Toilets

High volume water leaks often come from toilets. They are hard to detect and are usually caused by worn or misaligned parts. Follow these steps to check your toilet for leaks.

• Listen for running water.
• Check the lift chain is not catching on anything.
• Make sure the flush handle is functioning properly.
• Put a small amount of food colouring or a dye tab in the toilet tank. Toilet dye tabs are available at all City of Hamilton Municipal Service Centres. Wait 10 minutes, then check to see if water in the toilet bowl is coloured. If it is, the toilet flapper could be leaking. This is relatively simple and inexpensive to replace.
• While the toilet top is removed, look to see if the water level is close to the overflow pipe.  The overflow pipe is a plastic pipe with an open end just below the top of the tank.
• If the water level is close, or overflowing into the pipe, this could be where the water is leaking. You will need to adjust the ball valve which controls the amount of water in your toilet tank.

Faucets / Taps

• Check all faucets and pipes periodically.
• Watch and listen for drips.
• Check for moisture around faucets, showerheads and bathtubs.
• Replace faulty parts.

Under the sink

• Check under and around sinks for wet spots, water stains, a musty smell, bowed cabinetry or rust around joints and edges.

Showerheads

• Turn on and look for drips or stray sprays. These minor leaks can usually be fixed with plumber’s tape.

In the tub

• Turn on the tub, then divert the water to the shower and see if there’s still a lot of water coming from the tub spout; that could mean the tub spout diverter needs replacing.

Faucets / Taps

• Listen for drips and tighten aerators or replace fixtures if necessary.
• Check faucet sprayer to make sure water is spraying smoothly and clean openings as needed.

Under the sink

• Check under and around sinks for wet spots, water stains, a musty smell, bowed cabinetry or rust around joints and edges.

Appliances

• Check for pooling water underneath dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers, which could indicate a supply line leak.

Water heater

• Check beneath the tank for pooling water, rust, or other signs of leakage.

Water softeners

• Check all connections are tight and for cracks or damage on hoses.
• The rotor valve is the source of water into the unit (located on the top of the water softener) and is often the source of leaks.

Water Meter

• Check for leaking water around water meter as well as any exposed pipes and valves.

• Check all other hose bibbs, spigots and/or outdoor faucets for dripping water and/or wet spots.
• Ensure tight connections with the hose. Hose washer may need replacing.

In-ground irrigation system

• Check for broken sprinklers or nozzles spraying in the wrong direction.
• You may want to consult an irrigation specialist for detailed inspection.

Swimming Pools and Spas

• Check the pool and/or spa autofill for proper operation.
• Check the float.
• Visually inspect the pool and/or spa system equipment, especially around pipe joints.
• Look for any wet spots, small holes or depressions in the soil, as these might indicate an underground water leak.
• You may want to contact a pool contractor.

Fountains and water features

• Check for leaks or cracks on water supply lines and pipes.
• Look for structural cracks or damaged basins.
• Adjust autofill to avoid basin overfill.

• Turn off the water at the supply line before performing any work.
• To help you find the right replacements, take old parts with you to the home improvement store.
• Consult a qualified, licenced plumber if you are not sure and for larger jobs.
• If any of your fixtures needs replacing, remember to look for the WaterSense label when purchasing plumbing products. WaterSense labeled products are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water and perform as well or better than standard models.

For a more detailed checklist, please download the Leak Detection Guide(PDF, 7.15 MB).