How to check for a leak
- Be sure that all water-using fixtures inside the home and any outside irrigation systems are completely turned off, and make sure no one uses water while you are checking for a leak.
- Read your meter. For newer digital meters, the readout is digital. There is an indicator that shows if water is passing through the meter. For older meters, note the digits and the position of the red dial arm.
- Wait 10 minutes and read the meter again. If the readings are identical, there does not appear to be a water leak, and the system is watertight.
- If the meter reading has changed, water is being lost due to a leak or a plumbing problem. You will want to double-check the fixtures and irrigation system to make sure that everything is completely turned off. To find the leak, if you know where your property's waterline is, walk along it to look for signs of a leak. You may also want to check your building's crawl space to see if water is leaking there. If you are having difficulty locating the problem, your next step is to contact a plumber.
If you are unable to locate your meter and would like a City of Albany field representative to show you where it is located and how to read it, please contact Utility Billing at 541-917-7547.
To request a bill credit due to a leak:
Your form must include:
- Your account number
- Complete contact information
- A detailed description of what was leaking, where the leak happened, and when the leak occurred
- Receipts for repairs showing the details of any parts used
- Signature verifying the leak has been repaired
If approved, the adjustment to your bill will be 50 percent of the estimated excess consumption due to leakage, for no more than the last two billing periods (AMC 11.01.095). No leak adjustment is allowed for a leaking toilet or for negligent failure to repair the leak.
If you have any questions, please call 541-917-7547.
