Leak Detection Questions from Leander, TX

Do the meter test. Turn off every faucet, appliance and the irrigation, then watch the meter for two minutes. If the low-flow indicator moves, water is escaping somewhere, and it is time to call.

The water lost through a leak on your property is billed as normal usage. The city may credit part of it through a leak adjustment once the leak is repaired, subject to its rules.

The city excludes toilet leaks such as flappers and fill valves, leaking faucets, taps or hoses left running, water used for pools, car washing or irrigation, and unauthorized use.

One adjustment every two years per customer address, covering up to 60 days or two billing cycles. You need at least six months of history with the city and an account in good standing.

The form is online on the City of Leander website. For a paper copy, the city lists its Utility Billing Office.

Simple fixture replacement does not need a permit in Leander, but remodels involving plumbing and water or wastewater connections do. Contractors must be registered with the city before a permit is issued. Ask the provider whether your repair needs one.

Policies vary. Some cover the cost of reaching the pipe and repairing water damage but not the pipe itself. Check your policy and keep the plumber's written findings.

Many visits take one to three hours, depending on how many lines need testing and the type of pipe and flooring.

Water soaking the clay under part of a slab can make it swell or soften unevenly, which can add to foundation movement over time. Finding and fixing leaks promptly helps.

Yes, irrigation and pools raise summer use. A leak is more likely if usage rises when you have not changed habits, or if the meter moves with everything off.

Yes. New homes usually leak at fittings or from construction damage rather than worn pipe, but leaks do happen, especially as the house settles on clay soil.

During Winter Storm Uri, power outages strained the system while one regional treatment plant was already offline after a break in its Lake Travis intake. The city lifted its boil water notice after service recovered.