Leak detection services

Leak Detection & Individual metering   

Schultz Plumbing is the leader in metering the use of water in homes, businesses and other organisations. In the past we have assisted
councils with metering parks and garden sprinkler systems to reduce sewerage disposal charges, and have placed large meters on sewerage outflows at one of the main universities to assist measure water displacement for costing purposes.

Detecting Leaks Domestic

A slowly dripping cold water tap loses about 5,000 litres of water
over a three month period and adds unnecessary cost to your
water account. Dripping taps can be observed and as a result action
can be taken quickly to stop them. Wetness around taps and hot
water systems can also be an indication of leaks in your
plumbing system.

On the other hand, obscured leaks, such as those that occur
underground and are caused by damaged or aging pipe work are
harder to detect and can result in considerably larger losses.

Fortunately your water meter can be used to detect leaks around
your home.

Because modern water meters display usage to as little as a tenth
of a litre (100ml). Leaks can now be identified quickly, by following
the simple steps below.

Think you have a leak? Here’s a quick and easy method
to tell:

1. Know your dials
Make sure that you know what all the dials on the water meter
measure How would I do this?

2. Turn off all taps
Ensure that all taps within the house and garden (not including
the stop-tap) are turned off, and that all water appliances, including
toilets, dishwashers and washing machines, are NOT being used.

3. Is the wheel moving?
Examine the meter for a few minutes and note any movement in
the "tell-tale" wheel.

4. Take two readings
To determine the extent of a leak, take a start reading, wait
10 minutes, then take a final reading. Don't forget to read all
the dials.

5. What's the difference?
Subtract the start reading from the final reading. Be sure to write
your answer in litres and not kilolitres. Multiply by six to determine
the amount of litres lost per hour.

6. Fix the leak
If a leak is detected, arrange for a Schultz Plumber to locate and
repair the leak by calling 1300 SCHULTZ.

Example:

In this example, at today’s average water rates, the dollar value of
lost water is $533.31 per year!

What to do next.

If you suspect there is a leak underground, you should seek expert
advice and call Schultz Plumbing.

It is important that you become water wise and use less water.
This means that there will be less need to build new reservoirs or
tap further rivers. By using water wisely you not only save yourself
money but also help to protect the environment.

How to read your meter - Residential customers.

The amount of water you use is measured by a water meter.
 
Where is my meter located?

Generally close to the front of your property, often just inside the
front fence.

To calculate your property's water usage, you need two key pieces
of information from your bill:

• your previous meter reading
• your current meter reading.

How do I read my meter?

Residential customers are most likely to have one of the following
types of meters.

Example 1

A Black numbers on a white background register kilolitres.

B White numbers on red background register hundreds of litres,
tens of litres, litres & tenths of litres.

Example 2

A Black numbers on white background ( 5 digits ) register kilolitres

B "Tell tale". Detects small usage & leaks

C Four "clock" dials at bottom of meter, register starting from right, hundreds of litres, tens of litres, litres & tenths of litres.

Example 3

A Black numbers on white background register kilolitres Red numbers
on white background register hundreds of litres, tens of litres & litres.

B "Tell tale". Detects small usage & leaks. 20 revolutions per litre.

Example 4

A White numbers on black background register kilolitres.

B Red numbers on black background register hundreds of litres
& tens
of litres.

Reading Common Domestic Meter:

• The following are common domestic meters
• 1000 litres = 1 Kilolitre (in 2008 it cost approx $1.86 per Kilolitre)
• Meters are read from left to right
• If the meter has a ‘Tell Tale’ (Example 2 & 3) – this helps to
  pick-up small usage and leaks

Property Owner Responsibilities

As the owner and occupier you are responsible for all services and
usage charges. The user pays system of billing provides the property
owner with control over their account. If you own a separately
metered rental property you are responsible for payment of the
water, sewerage, drainage and parks service charges. The tenant
is responsible for the water usage and sewage disposal charges.
A separate quarterly account will be sent to you.

Under the water Industry Act and in line with Residential Tenancy Guidelines, property owners are responsible for providing tenancy
details to the water provider in order to have tenants billed for
Water Usage and Sewage Disposal charges.

If the property is not separately metered (i.e. there may be a
common meter supplying a group of flats) you are responsible for
payment of the usage charges, as well as the service charges.
The usage charges in these instances cannot be passed onto the
tenant of payment.

If you continue to receive an account with the Water Usage &
Sewage Disposal Charges listed, there may be a number of reasons
for this. As mentioned above, if the property is not separately
metered you will continue to receive all charges for the property.

You may also be receiving these charges because your water
company may not be aware the property is tenanted.

Water supply and sewage service maintenance is the property
owner’s responsibility. This includes anything on your side of the
meter or up to the connection with our sewer branch (usually
inside the property boundary).

Reading your water meter - Business

The volume of water you use is measured by a water meter.
Depending on the layout of your business site, the meter may
be located inside or outside your premises.

In an emergency the flow of water can be stopped by
turning off the stop tap/valve.

Therefore it is important that you know the location of your
water meter, and that you ensure it is accessible for our meter
readers to read on a regular basis.

Knowing how to read your meter and taking regular readings
can be a useful way to detect leaks within your property.
By detecting leaks early and arranging repairs you will use less
water and save money.