Water Leaks
The City of Port Townsend works hard to eliminate water distribution system leaks however, many leaks occur on the customer’s side of the meter, which are the homeowner’s responsibility. Finding and repairing them saves water and money. A toilet that constantly runs or a dripping faucet can easily waste thousands of gallons of water a month and the customer will end up paying a higher water and sewer bill.
To perform a self-diagnostic inspection
1. Ensure all water-using appliances are turned off and that no water is running inside or outside the home.
2. Perform a visual inspection for obvious signs of a leak (standing/pooling water, soft or squishy spots in the yard, extra lush/green patches of lawn).
3. Check any easily accessible crawlspaces or areas that may contain plumbing. Look and listen for drips, puddling, spraying or running water.
4. Open your meter box and look for the following: numbers increasing, black or red triangle spinning, white circle or small red dial spinning. Movement may suggest water flow and could be an indicator of a leak somewhere in the system. Newer digital meters may also be equipped with a leak detection function.
The best method for determining whether a leak exists is to take actual water meter readings. This method checks the home or business's entire internal plumbing system for water leaks. Take a water meter reading just before going to bed or when no one will use any water for several hours. Take another meter reading in the morning before any water is used or after a few hours of non-use. The two readings should be the same. If not and you cannot account for use by a humidifier, ice maker, water softener, water filter or other use, you have a leak, and further investigation is recommended. Most meters the City uses have a small white triangle in the center of the meter that serves as a low flow indicator. If the triangle is spinning with all water turned off it is also an indication of a leak. More information on troubleshooting here.
To request a Leak Check
During normal business hours, call (360) 385-2700 to request a leak check or email ptutilities@cityofpt.us. Please let the front desk staff know if you are experiencing a water emergency requiring immediate assistance. For after-hours water emergencies, please call Jefferson County Non-Emergency Dispatch (360) 344-9779. They will dispatch the after-hours Public Works Emergency First Responder. *Customer initiated leak checks will incur a fee of $30.00.
Reporting and Responsibility for Fixing Leaks
Water leaks between the street and meter are the City’s responsibility. Leaks in the home or between the meter and home are the customer’s responsibility. Customers may repair leaks on their side of the meter or contact a plumber for assistance.
More information on leaks and water pressure here.
Leak Credit Request
When excessive meter registration is caused by broken or leaking water service pipes from the water meter into the structure or water pipes under the structure, including any crawl space or other structural components of the structure, without the knowledge of the customer, an adjustment to the water and wastewater bills may be made upon written application and satisfactory proof showing where the leak or break occurred and that a repair has been made. The adjustment would be for up to two months’ billing cycles. The basis for adjustment shall be the normal consumption under similar operating conditions. The billing adjustment shall not exceed $500.00.
Please fill out and return this form to be considered for an adjustment.
