Photographs courtesy of
Sally Leonard Photography
Checking for Leaks
Most meters, especially those installed within the Hi-Desert Water District, have a small triangle known as a "tattle tale", located toward the left side of the meter face, just above the register. The sole purpose of this triangle is to spin at the slightest flow of water through the meter. The correct procedure to check for a leak is the following:
- First shut off all running water inside and outside of the home, including any evaporative coolers
- Next check the tattle tale on the meter. If the tattle tale is spinning, there may be a leak
- Repeat the process again by checking to be sure all the water is turned off inside and outside of the home
- If the tattle tale is still spinning, then it is quite possible a leak exists; therefore the District recommends notifying a plumber.
By detecting a leak in the early stage, an individual could save a substantial amount of money. Many times leaks are not visible. Whether a leak surfaces to the ground depends on the soil type. As the soil becomes harder or clay like, the water will more than likely rise to the surface and become visible. Unfortunately some leaks soak into the ground because of the sandy soil in some parts of our community. When this occurs, the customer may have no clue a leak exists until the water bill is received.