Reviewed 17 October 2026 · schematic not to scale
Find avoidable water loss before buying larger tanks, pumps or irrigation equipment.
- 1Assess raw water; avoid chemical/salt contamination
- 2One documented treatment sequence
- 3Observe full time, clarity and equipment limits
- 4Protected clean storage and a backup supply
Site and operating requirements
- Identify intended use and likely biological, chemical and salt contamination before choosing treatment. Obtain suitable water testing.
- Keep raw-water and treated-water containers, tools and hands separate. Use clean covered storage.
Tools and measuring equipment
- Phone camera, timer and torch
- Food dye and cloth
Output and operating conditions
Compare meter readings over 2 hours with all intentional use stopped. A toilet dye test takes about 10 minutes.
Observation and repair workflow; no universal pressure setting or guaranteed savings. Meter units may be litres or cubic metres.Parts, quantities and dimensions
| Part | Quantity | Specification / dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Accessible water meter | 1 | Identify the unit and smallest readable division; photograph readings without opening sealed parts. |
| Toilet food dye | small amount | A few drops in the cistern only; do not flush during the observation period. |
| Torch, log and dry cloth | 1 set | Inspect accessible joints, taps and irrigation outlets; protect the floor when checking. |
Preparation and component checks
- Notify other users of the no-use interval.
- Identify which valves you are authorised to operate.
Procedure
- 1
List every water user, including irrigation, ice maker, tank float valve and livestock drinkers.
- 2
Choose a 2-hour no-use interval and stop or account for all automatic demand.
- 3
Record the meter value and time, then read again at the end without intentional use.
- 4
Inspect visible pipe joints and fixtures; use a dry cloth to distinguish fresh dampness.
- 5
Put a few dye drops in each toilet tank, wait 10 minutes without flushing, and check for colour in the bowl; flush afterwards.
- 6
Document faults, arrange appropriate repairs and repeat the same meter and dye tests.
Ready-to-use checklist
- Unexplained flow identified or excluded to meter resolution.
- Any dye leakage repaired and retested.
Safety and inspection
Do not disturb utility seals, concealed electrical wiring, pressurised fittings or shared supply valves. Refer hidden or major leaks to a qualified plumber.
Verify the result
Repeat the same no-use test after repairs. An automatic tank refill, irrigation timer or appliance can also move the meter.
Measurement log
- Beginning and end readings with units.
- Repair location, date and repeat-test result.
Maintenance and repeat checks
- Recheck after plumbing work or unexplained bill increases.
- Inspect irrigation lines seasonally and repair individual leaking or blocked outlets.
Troubleshooting
- Flow/cycle outside the documented range or failed test
- Do not use the output for drinking. Recheck raw-water quality, batch volume, seals/media/device status and the complete source instructions. Retest after correction.
