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Author:
GaryP (MA)
Hi, I'm new to this forum. My reason for visiting is to ask a question in advance of the next water bill for this property. Maybe this is too off-topic.
About 2 months ago my elderly Dad had some work done around the house. Part of this was gutter cleaning. In June he became ill and passed away. I've checked around the property several times since May but this morning walked near an area out back where the garden hose is kept. Noticed the ground was damp - not soaked just damp. Discovered a VERY fine spray/ drip from around the nozzle connection. Apparently the faucet was never fully turned off at some point. Since the gutter cleaning in May, I'm not sure. The faucet still had just under a quarter turn to go when I just checked it. The hose was uptight with water and the leak at the nozzle. Any idea how much water was spent? Should I expect a drastic increase for the early August (May June July quarter) water bill at $3.25 per cubic feet of usage?
Thanks - Gary in Massachusetts
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Author:
jblanche (WI)
Check with the utility to see when the meter was last read. If you're lucky that could help you as reading the meter now may tell you what you need to know.
Also check the meter to see if it reads gallons or CCF.
How to measure the leakage rate:
Set the valve back where you found it.
Mark a bucket at the 1-gallon level.
Start your stop watch.
Put the bucket under the leaking hose.
Ensure that all leaking water is going into the bucket.
Measure how long it takes to fill the bucket to the gallon level.
Now it's math time:
Extrapolate that measurement in seconds or minutes or hours to a daily rate (24 hours).
Multiply the daily consumption by the approximate number of days the hose was on and unattended.
If you are billed in gallons, multiply accordingly.
If you are billed in CF or CCF, there are 7.48 gallons per CF or 748 gallons per CCF, so divide accordingly and then multiply by the appropriate rate.
You will typically have to figure the sewer cost using a formula from the utility.
If you post your measurements and rate info within a reasonable amount of time I'll be happy to help with the math.
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Links to the State of Wisconsin Plumbing Code:
[dsps.wi.gov]
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I am not a plumber.
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Author:
packy
not much you can do about the waterbill. you did use the water so you must pay for it. if you are on a public sewer, the water department may remove the sewer portion of the excess amount of water used since the water did not go down the sewer.
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Author:
Fixitangel (NC)
Your bill will be higher, no doubt. If you feel it is excessive, contact your water dept., and tell them the same thing you posted here. I have found if there has been a malfunction causing a leak, and you are willing to challenge the bill esp. if you have documentation to support it, and can assure the water dept the leak has been fixed, often times they will issue an adjustment. My condolances for your father's passing. Good Luck.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
GaryP (MA)
Thanks for all comments. I did call the water dept and they said if usage turns out to be higher than normal they could send out inspection. I told them about how this happened with my Dad passing and the hose left in an obscure place.
Anyone can see that the backyard here has no "gardens" or need for excessive watering. It's overgrown, messy, and basically looks real unattended. The whole property is getting that way outside. Also talked with a neighbor who runs slow spray all day for his tomato plants and gardens and he doesn't think the bill should be too high. Anyway, thanks again. Won't know bill til August.
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Author:
waukeshaplumbing (WI)
a friend of mine owns a flower shop....the mens room is in the basement and is rarely used. a customer came in and used it...the toilet flapper got stuck and it ran for 2 months....no one else used it and it took her that long to realize it.
$2,500 was her quarterly water bill...she had to take a loan out for it
she was glad to pay $400 for a new toilet after that
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