High Bill?

If your bill is higher than expected:

• Check the days of service – is this for a longer billing period than the bills to which you are comparing?
• Check your usage – did your usage increase?
  • If so, did you do anything differently during this time period? Were there additional persons staying at the property?
  • Did you have a leak?

If your usage has increased, the Nutley Water Department encourages you to review the below information and follow the below step-by-step instructions to check for leaks.

In addition, the department has recently instituted a monthly leak detection program using our automated meter reading system.  Letters will be sent to property owners after each monthly meter reading to those properties that may have leaks detected.

We want to make you aware so you can take steps to identify and fix the issue, helping to prevent higher water and sewer bills and potential property damage.

What Leaks Waste

High bills usually mean a leak, and potentially hundreds of gallons of water down the drain.

Not only is your water wasted, but it registers through your meter and could cost you as much as several hundred dollars a month.

• Dripping Faucet: Consumes 15 gallons a day, or 60 cubic feet per month
• Running Toilet: May consume up to 12 gallons a minute
• 1/16-Inch Opening: Consumes 943 gallons a day, or 3,773 cubic feet per month
• 1/4-Inch Opening: Consumes 60,900 gallons per day, or 243,600 cubic feet per month

Please note: the excess water use, identification and repair of leaks within your private plumbing system, as well as the associated costs, are the responsibility of the property owner.

What is Considered a Leak?

A water leak is defined as water flowing through the water meter every hour over a continuous 24-hour period, indicating ongoing water use when none would normally be expected.

How to Verify a Leak Using Your Water Meter

1. Stop Water Usage: Ensure no one is using any water in the house (faucets, laundry, showers, or irrigation).
2. Locate Your Meter: Meters are usually located in the basement near the wall closest to the street.
3. Identify the Leak Dial: Look for the small blue star- shaped detection dial on the meter face (see picture).
4. Observe the dial for a few minutes: If the dial is turning while all water in the home is off, water is moving through the meter, confirming a leak exists.

Common Causes: Running toilet, dripping faucet or spigot, connected garden hose, or sprinkler/irrigation system leaks.

Further Tips for Diagnosing Water Leaks in Your Home

• Check Outdoor Hose Bibs (Spigots): Make sure they are not slowly leaking. Remember to turn the inside valve to the "off" position for the season.
• Inspect All Faucets: Check laundry rooms, basements, and garages. Even a slow drip can waste over 5,000 gallons per year.
• Check Shower Heads: Leaks here are often caused by a failing washer or a loose handle.
• Perform a Toilet Dye Test: Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and wait 10 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak --likely a deteriorating flapper.
• Look Under Cabinets: Check for moisture under sinks. If you find moisture, turn off the water supply to that sink and contact a plumber.
• Don't Forget the Basement: Inspect basement toilets or utility sinks, as leaks in out-of-the-way places are often overlooked.
• Check your sprinkler system: Make sure sprinkler heads shut off completely and are not leaking. Sprinkler systems are pressurized, so even small leaks can run continuously. Broken or damaged sprinkler lines can also leak water underground and may not be visible.

If you do not find a leak after these checks, please contact a licensed plumber to help locate the issue.

Please feel free to contact the Water Department for more information and assistance at 973-284-4984 or email watersewer@nutleynj.org.