Wagoner County Rural Water District #4, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma

WATER BREAKS: Some of our customers have had very high water bills as a result of broken water lines. The breaks have sometimes occurred in pipes that the customers didn't even know they had!

We recommend that you do several things to protect yourself against such a tragedy. First, protect your entire system against high pressure by installing a pressure regulator at the water meter. Most houses have a pressure regulator at the house, but this will protect only the pipes inside the house. It will not protect your outside system.

Second, walk your water system periodically to look for wet spots where there should be none.

Third, check your water meter once in awhile. Shut off everything inside and outside the house and then look at your water meter. If there is any movement you probably have a water leak somewhere. Catching a small leak early can save you from paying for a large leak later. And finally, when you add to your irrigation system, get professional help and use the best materials. Test everything before it is covered, make sure it is deep enough to be protected from freezing.