Dave FL wrote:

Yep, got a leak somewhere. Did the timing thing with the water meter
and found the three largest zones use most of the water.

My Problem: water bill came to $400.00 one month and $500.00 the next
month. Stopped using the sprinklers and dropped to $50 - $60/Mo.
My Guess: underground sprinkler leak
My Question: What is the easiest way to check the lines for a leak?
My Answer (up for review): Take out the sprinkler heads in each zone
and cap off the line, run the sprinkler water and see if meter turns.

Need help to see if this is the best way to check the lines, or will a
divining rod be better?
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Dave FL



I helped my hubby with lots of sprinkler repairs around our condo, and
since many were not protected we got a lot of cracked pipes until we got
everything in shape. We always has water washing out to the surface
when there was a leak. A broken head will also flood one spot and
should be obvious. Are you present when the sprinkler runs to check out
sprinkler operation and timing? That would be my first chore, along
with making sure the system isn't running more often than it sould.
Those are whopping water bills and shutting off the system doesn prove
much. If your bill is high when you water and low when you don't, it
certaining doesn't seem like a sign of a leak to me ... seems much more
logical the timing is wrong. You could have major leaks but not have
any difference in the amount of water used.