Need Help

[npe001]

So I go to the mail box last night and get my water bill that is normally just thrown to the side for a couple days. I decided to open it up and thought it was a joke. On average with the Sprinklers going I am using 11,000 Gallons a month at about $70. Not so this time, I opened it up and read the usage and it said 43,000 gallons. I almost fell over. New bill is $214. So the question is where is the leak. I have had my sprinklers off for about two months. The transformer for the neighbors around is in my yard. About two months ago, I noticed the new cable being run to my neighbors house. Didn't think anything of it because it was covered a day later. The sprinkler line is right where the guy stick the wire in the ground. Thing I want to know is Could the sprinkler leak that much if I don't have it on and there is no noticeable water on the ground? Thoughts?

[DuramaxDude]

I would go dig it up to check and call on the bill and say you had a leak. If there isnt a leak that you see or find they are screwing you royally or have a mix up. Had some friends that had some kids or somebody hop their fence and turn on the valve to fill their pool while they were gone and idk how much water it was but the bill was upwards of $1000. They called on it and somehow worked something out.

[diamond06]

thats alot of water not to notice

[npe001]

thats alot of water not to notice

Thats what I am thinking. Bad meter?

[mikeb1206]

See if you meter is running when no one is using water, if it is you have a leak.

[gumbl3]

It could easily be leaking under a driveway, slab, sidewalk and eroding away and you wouldn't see a drop, maybe some depressed ground.. do what others said and check the meter, it has a site glass

While you are there you can compare readings

[yellowcat]

I install automated meter reading systems everyday. Turn off all your water and look at your leak detector on your meter and make sure it is not turning. That is a lot of water in one month for a leak. you would notice water or a soft spot in your yard.

[hopedale]

Have you shut off all the water in your house and watch to see if the meter still runs?

The toilet in my kidds bathroom was constinatnly flowing and no one knew. It was that slight and my bill was through the rough.

How we found it, the plumbers I called, was by shutting down water valves in the house one by one, while one person stayed and watch the meter run. If you cutt off everything toilet, sinks, washer, etc and the meter still runs, then its probably the sprinkler line. But I would think you'd see surface water with that amount of water.

[npe001]

Haven't done anything yet. I didn't get the bill till late last night and had to go to work. I am going to try and figure it out when I get home. Hopefully I wont have any horrible pictures to post. My only fear is that it is leaking under my foundation or driveway. Luckily the house is still under warranty. So I am praying that will come in handy.

[yellowcat]

To check if toilet bowl gasket is leaking you can put several drops of food coloring in back of bowl, if bottom bowl becomes that color after a little while then you know you have a leak.