You may have a water leak of which you are unaware.  It's easy to check, follow these
instructions:



Service Line:  (A leak between the water meter and the house.)

Find the water meter

Turn off all running water and water-using appliances, and do not flush the toilet.

Read the dial on the water meter and record the reading.  After 15 to 20 minutes,
re-check the reading.

If no water has been used and the reading has changed, a leak is occurring.  The rate
(gallon per minute) of the leak can be determined by dividing the number of gallons by
the elapsed time.

The indicator on the water meter should also be sitting still, if you see the indicator
(usually a small triangle) located on the face of your meter is spinning this lets you know
water is passing though the meter, if no water is being used for any appliances, ice
makers, toilets flushed, etc, you likely have a water leak.

If the leak cannot be found and fixed, a plumber should be called.  Before calling, check
all toilets for silent leaks by following the instructions below.

When a toilet leaks, water escapes from the tank into the bowl.  Toilets are notorious for
hidden or silent leaks, because leaks are seldom noticed unless the toilet "runs" after
each flush (which can waste 4-5 gallons a minute).  To determine if the toilet is leaking
do the following:

Look at the toilet bowl after the tank has stopped filling.  If water is still running into the
bowl or if water can be heard running, the toilet is leaking.

Often times, however, the toilet may have a "silent leak".  To test for silent leak, mix a few
drops of food coloring or place a dye capsule (available free of charge at our office) into
the water in the toilet storage tank after the water has stopped running and the tank if
full.  DO NOT FLUSH THE TOILET.  Wait for about 10 minutes, if the dye or food coloring
appears in the toilet bowl, the toilet has a silent leak.

Leaks of this type are usually caused by a defective flush value (flapper) ball or a
corroded or scaled valve seat.  Replacement balls and valves, which can be installed in
less than 30 minutes, are available from most hardware and plumbing stores.


Faucet Leaks:

Faucet leaks are obvious. The cause of faucet leaks is frequently a worn washer that can
be replaced with two or three hand tools. Replacement washers can be purchased from
most hardware and variety stores for only a few cents.



Water Heater Maintenance:

Water heaters,  gas or electric, have become more complex and expensive. They also do
not seem to last as long as they once did. This is one modern appliance that we could
not live without, but is "out of sight, out of mind" until we have problems.



Hot Water Heater Flushing:

Maintenance books recommend that the hot water heater be drained (flushed) every six
months, but few homeowners bother to do this. Often, it is put in an area that is not as
accessible as other appliances. It may or may not be easy to drain, even though all
heaters have a hose connection and faucet control at the bottom.  This task is not only
inconvenient, but often the washer and/or washer seat on the faucet must be replaced
after draining. Sometimes the entire faucet assembly will have to be replaced. If it is not
done correctly, the unit may leak at the faucet. Furthermore the unit can be damaged
while draining. Unless you are fully familiar with servicing these units, one should
consult their service representatives at the gas or electric utility before undertaking this
task.



Odors:

A heater which is recycled off/on or left off for a period of non-heating may develop
offensive odors from sulfur bacteria. The odor, hydrogen sulfide - "rotten egg odor", may
be drawn back through cold water faucets as well as the hot water faucet.



Temperature Settings:

The heater thermostat should be set at a reasonable temperature.  Scalding of infants
and the elderly can be a real hazard, even when the temperature setting is within proper
limits.  Again, the user should consult with their energy supplier to have the unit set at a
safe temperature.



White Plastic Particles:

It is not unusual for the white plastic (PVC) filler tube inside the heater to disintegrate and
discharge small white particles to the faucet aerator screens.  These particles can come
through not only the hot water lines but the cold water lines as well.  These particles may
appear to be soft and crumbly, but a good test is to heat this material with a match.  PVC
will melt; minerals, such as calcium will not.
Finding Leaks & Water Heater Maintenance
Milligan Water Supply Corporation
Members may qualify for
a bill adjustment when a
property-side leak
impacts usage and billing.


1.) Members may request a leak
adjustment after a leak   
has been repaired.

2.) Each account is eligible to
receive one adjustment  to one
water bill during a 12- month
period for a leak.

3.) The repair must be verified by
an Operator from the
Corporation. The repair must be
visible for verification. ( do not
bury the pipe until the repair is
verified). The Corporation may
charge a Service Trip Fee as
defined in Section G of the Tariff.

4.) Adjustment will be calculated
as follows:
·        The average quantity used
during the billing period in the
preceding 2 years will be used
when available to be
representative of the Member’s
normal use.
·        The normal use will be
subtracted from the high-usage
bill to determine the water loss
due to the leak.
·        Member will be
responsible to pay one-half of
the calculated water loss at the
appropriate tier one rate.

5.) Adjustments exceeding
$400 will need to be reviewed
and approved by the Board of
Directors.