Small checks, early warnings
In an Anaheim Hills house with copper under the slab, the best defense is noticing a leak while it is small. A quarterly meter test costs nothing. Comparing the water bill to the same month last year takes a minute. Knowing your shutoff works means a surfacing leak does far less damage.
Pick a recurring date, such as the first weekend of each season, and put these checks on your calendar.
The calendar
| Season | Checks |
|---|---|
| Winter | Meter test with everything off; compare the bill to last winter; test the main shutoff gently |
| Spring | Inspect irrigation for broken heads and weeping valves before the watering season; meter test with irrigation off |
| Summer | Watch the bill as irrigation increases; look for unusually wet planters near the house; check exposed copper in the garage for crusting |
| Fall | Meter test; check the water heater relief valve discharge pipe for drips; review water pressure with a gauge at a hose bib |
| Any time | Walk floors barefoot near the kitchen, baths and water heater for warm spots |
Water heater checks
Follow your heater's manual and leave anything beyond simple checks to a professional.
- Seismic straps in place and secure, as required in California
- No water at the base of the tank or at the relief valve discharge
- Area around a gas heater kept clear of stored items
- Inlet valve location known and labeled
Quarterly ten-minute routine
- Meter test.Everything off, read the meter, wait 15 minutes, read again.
- Bill check.Compare use with the same period last year.
- Floor walk.Feel for warmth and look for damp carpet, cupping wood or cracked grout.
- Valve turn.Gently close and reopen the main to keep it working.
- Log it.Write the date and results in your meter test log.
Local notes
- Water supplier
- Anaheim Public Utilities; bills and meter questions go there
- Water character
- Hard; expect scale on fixtures and in heaters
- Gas
- SoCalGas; leave and call 911 or SoCalGas from outside if you smell gas
- Contractors
- Check any license at cslb.ca.gov
Common questions
Is a quarterly meter test enough?
For a house with no signs, it catches most leaks before they become serious. If you notice any sign, test right away.
Should I flush my water heater?
Many manufacturers recommend periodic flushing, which matters more with hard water. Follow the manual or have a professional do it.
Do these checks prevent slab leaks?
They cannot stop pipe from aging, but they help catch leaks early and reduce some stresses, such as high pressure.
General information for Anaheim Hills, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.