Water Leak Detection Guide

Were you recently notified of a potential water leak? Or do you suspect you may have one?  Read through our leak guide to learn what steps to take next.

If you have a leak it is important to take action quickly.  Leaks may be costly, difficult to find, and become increasingly worse.  Your leak may be underground and show no visible signs at the surface.  

Detecting Leaks Using Your Water Meter:

To determine if a leak is present, you can use the flow indicator (small red triangle) on your water meter, located outside where the water line connects to your property from the city's line.

1. Locate Your Water Meter:
   • Find your water meter, usually situated near the property line, and enclosed in a protective box.
2. Identify the Flow Indicator (Small Red Triangle):
   • The flow indicator on the water meter is an essential indicator that can help detect leaks. When water is moves through the meter, the triangle will rotate.
3. Turning Off the Water Inside:
   • If you suspect a leak, shut off the water inside your home using the main water shut-off valve, often found in the garage.
4. Check the Red Dial:
   • After turning off the water inside, monitor the flow indicator on the water meter. If it continues spinning, the leak is likely outside your home. If the flow indicator stops spinning when after water to the home has been turned off, it suggests the leak is occurring inside. This could be from a silent leaky toilet, faucet, or other internal sources.
5. Flow Indicator Movement Speed:
   • The severity of your leak can often be assumed based off how fast or slow the flow indicator moves. Slow dial rotations often indicate small leaks, whereas a fast rotation indicates larger leaks.  

Locating the Leak:

Look for Drips:

• Check showers and faucets for leaks. Look at each fixture and look under sinks in cabinets for drips too.

 Check the Toilet for Leaks:

• Remove the tank lid.
• Drop one dye tablet into the tank (free tablets are available at the Public Works building) OR use 10 drops of food coloring in place of the dye tablet.
• Put the lid back on.
• Wait for at least 30 minutes then look in the bowl. If you see colored water in the bowl, you have a leak.

Check Your Sprinklers:

• Turn on each sprinkler zone.
• Look for low pressure, water bubbling out of the ground, or a broken sprinkler head.
• These can be signs of a leaky sprinkler.

Note: Many toilet leaks can be fixed by a do-it-yourself plumber, and repair parts are relatively inexpensive to purchase.

Call For Help:

Contact us to ask for a leak check on your water meter. We are able to read your water meter from our office. To request this information call 503-625-5722 during business hours (7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. on Friday).

Leak Adjustment Program:

To provide financial relief to residential customers who experience sizable water leaks, the City of Sherwood will consider granting an adjustment to the customer’s water use portion of the utility bill if the customer:

• Completes and submits a “Request for Adjustment Due to a Leak” form, along with proof of the repair, within 30 days of making the repair.
• Can demonstrate the leak was repaired within 10 days of discovery.
• Has not received a leak adjustment within the past 12 months.
• Is up to date on payments unless prior arrangements have been made.

Once the leak is repaired and form submitted, staff will verify repair.

Learn more about the City's Leak Adjustment Program:

• By phone: 503-625-5722.
• By Email: utilitybilling@sherwoodoregon.gov
• In Person: 15527 SW Willamette St. Sherwood, OR 97140

A copy of the leak adjustment form may be found below.