FINANCE
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WATER TIPS
DOCUMENT LINKS:
Some Interesting Facts and Statistics:
The typical family uses about 70% of their water in the bathroom. This
is partly because water is used at a faster “flow rate” in
the bathroom than in any other area of the home. Toilets and showers
have a flow rate of 5-7 gallons per minute; dishwashers and clothes
washers use less than three gallons per minute.
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Toilet |
5 to 7 gallons per flush (Non low-flow toilet) |
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Shower |
5 to 7 gallons per minute (Non low-flow shower) |
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Bathtub |
36 to 60 gallons per bath |
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Dishwasher |
10 to 25 gallons per cycle |
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Washing machine |
20 to 45 gallons per load |
Total Home Water Usage: |
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Outdoor Use |
60% |
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Indoor Use |
40% |
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Kitchen |
10% |
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Other |
5% |
Indoor Water Usage: |
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Bathroom |
70% |
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Laundry |
15% |
STOP THE LEAKS!
Why is my water bill high so high?
A high water bill may indicate you have a leak. Even a small leak can
waste enough water for you to notice an increase on your bill. If there
is a leak anywhere within your plumbing system, the person named on
the utility bill must pay for the water used. Fix your leaks promptly
to avoid paying for them each month. Did you know:
- a 1/4" leak wastes 393,833 gallons* in one month.
- a 3/16" leak wastes 222,000 gallons* in one month.
- a 1/8" leak wastes 98,666 gallons* in one month.
- a 1/16" leak wastes 24,666 gallons* in one month.
*at 60 pounds of pressure
Ideas to help you find water leaks
Most leaks are easy to find, but some can go undetected. Here are some
ideas to help find a water leak in your home.
Toilets
- Listen and look for running water.
- Put a few drops of food coloring
into the tank. Or pick up free dye tablets at the Utility Billing Office
located at 625 5th Street. If color
shows up in the bowl within ten minutes, the valve or support assembly may
need to be replaced.
- See if the ball valve drops squarely into
the drain opening. If not, clean it out or replace the ball valve if
it is worn.
- Check the flush handle to see if it is stuck in the flush
position.
- Bend the float arm to lower the water level to at least one-half
inch below the top of the overflow tube.
- Replace the overflow tube
if it has holes below the water level.
Faucets, Bathtubs and Showers
- Replace worn gaskets and washers.
- Replace washer-less faucets.
- Tighten waterline connections and
valves.
Air Conditioner/Humidifier
Water Heater
- Replace the pressure and temperature valve, if leaking.
- Tighten
the drain valve.
Water Softener
- Look for water drips or wet areas underneath or in back of the machine.
- Listen for running water.
- Contact your water softener representative for service and repair
information.
Dishwasher/Clothes Washer
- Look for water drips or stains underneath
or in back of the machine.
Water Service Connection
- Look for drips or wet areas in the crawl
space.
- Place a screwdriver on the service line and listen. No noise
means water is not running.
Outside Faucets
- Replace worn gaskets and washers.
Sprinkler System
- Disconnect hoses from outside faucets to protect against freeze
damage.
- Winterize your sprinkler system according to the system's instructions.
- Check for any damage to sprinkler heads.
- Make sure that all drain
plugs are closed.
Need help?
- If you think you have a leak but can't find one, call
the Utility Billing Office at 642-1327 to perform a leak test.
If the meter is found
to be faulty it will be replace
at no charge but a service fee will be charged if there are no
problems with the meter. If the fault is not the meter, you may need
to call a plumber.
If you do
not have a water leak and your bill seems high, consider these questions:
- Did
you use more water keeping the grass green?
- Did you go on vacation
and leave someone else in charge of your lawn watering?
- Do you have an
automatic sprinkler system with a broken head?
- Have you put in a new
lawn, sprinkler system or pool recently?
- Were your children playing
with the water?
- Did you do extra loads of laundry before or after a
vacation?
- Did you have friends or relatives staying with you?
COLD WEATHER TIPS
PROTECT YOUR WATER METER
Freezing conditions can damage water meters. If your meter freezes because
you neglected to take simple steps to protect it from the cold, the City’s
Water Department will repair or replace the meter at your expense.
PROTECT YOUR PIPES
If service lines or pipes freeze, it is the homeowner’s responsibility
to have them repaired. Homeowners can take the following precautions
to keep water in pipes from freezing:
- Insulate your pipes. If a sink is installed against
an outside wall, insulate the wall and open cabinets beneath the sink
to allow warm
air to reach the pipes.
- Remove water hoses from outside connections,
turn off water to outdoor faucets and, when possible, drain the pipes.
IF YOUR METER FREEZES
To thaw a frozen meter or pipe, use a small space heater to warm the
area or aim a hair dryer or heat lamp at the frozen area. Never
thaw a frozen meter or pipe with an open flame. It is a fire hazard and can
create a steam explosion. If you are unsuccessful at thawing and your
meter or pipes appear to be damaged, contact a licensed plumber.
REGULATIONS FOR INSTALLING METERS AT TRAILER PARKS
Meters will be required to be located under the trailer. All meters
to be installed must be off the ground. We recommend the meter be at
least 6 inches off the ground and supported by a concrete block or 2” x
6” block of wood. In order to avoid freezing, heat tape
should be wrapped around the meter and covered by insulation. Installations
have to be within 12 inches of outside skirting. All meters must have
an access panel on the skirting to be able to reach the meter. On all
installations, the shut-off valve has to be within 6 inches of the water
meter on the live side of the water line. Installations will be inspected
by the Water Department.
If the Water Department has to repair or replace your water meter, it
is the homeowner’s responsibility to re-insulate and re-install
the heat tape on the water meter.
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