A leaky faucet that drips just one drop of water a minute will drip 1,440 times a day. A more serious leak will waste liters per hour. Under regular circumstances we are only aware of higher usage when the communal utility bill arrives. Seasonal changes are expected and higher than average water use is also normal in times like these, when people are home more often. Recently we have become aware that leaks are an issue that we must address. Up until now we have made no effort to police how water is used in private homes and contrary to industry norms, water is a utility we still include in our pad fees. Unfortunately this is the fourth major water incident in two years.
While none of the homes in our neighborhood are individually metered this issue has come to our attention because problems that are of such a size that the town has been made aware. In two cases toilets have been the source of major water leaks, lasting months and amounting to hundreds of dollars per month. These are difficult to catch in the warm months as the water soaks into the ground relatively quickly but in the winter months they become obvious, creating dangerous ice slicks. In both cases the size of these has been equivalent to a skating rink. Now these are only brought to our attention because the water is getting outside. Your toilet might be leaking right now but draining properly. Thankfully that’s easy to check.
In another case, poor workmanship by a contractor left a pipe damaged and leaking water with no available shut off. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Town, management, and the home owner, the problem was eventually wrestled under control. This incident also caused flooding, damage and extremely high water bills.
Five Signs of an Outdoor Pipe Leak:
- You hear dripping or running water
- You notice soggy patches of grass or unusually green grass around your home
- There is thick ice buildup in winter months
- Clear water is pooling during a dry period
- A sewer smell is noticeable
We would like to remind everyone that it is your responsibility to maintain your homes. This means that you should be regularly checking on your house, inside and out. Outside this will help resolve water or sewer issues before they cause damage and also help you catch issues like loose siding, damaged skirting and other concerns. Inside this will help you avoid rot, mold, and other sorts of damage from water. It is also a good time to test your smoke alarms and clean your furnace filter to keep it from working too hard.
After investigating and hiring plumbers, all of these cases have ultimately been the responsibility of the homeowner. If you are a renter and you notice issues please contact your landlord immediately. Only with your help will we be able to keep our pad fees the lowest in the region.
Klondike Gateway 