Find and Fix Leaks

This page can help you detect and fix leaks commonly found in your home.Your water meter is the first place to check for leaks on your property. It keeps track of how much water passes through it, and the readings determine the amount that you are billed for water usage. Your water meter can also be a valuable tool in determining whether or not you have any leaks.

Reading Your Water Meter:

  • In Rio Rancho, most water meters are located in the front yard. In the older subdivisions, the meter is under a round, plastic or metal lid. In the newer subdivisions, the meter is under a rectangular, gray fiberglass lid and you might share this meter box with your neighbor.Be careful when opening the lid to the meter:
    • There may be wires attached to the antenna.
    • Spiders or snakes may be residing in the meter can.
  • Rio Rancho meters read in gallons of water and they resemble a car odometer. Click the following link to see a Water Meter PDF.There is a flow indicator, also called a leak indicator, on the meter’s face. On older models the low/leak indicator looks like a triangle. On newer models the leak indicator looks like an asterisk (*).

How to Use Your Water Meter as a Leak Detector:

1. Turn off all water-using appliances, including your automatic ice maker and evaporative cooler.
2. Look to see if the flow/leak indicator is turning. If it is spinning, you have a leak.
3. If the flow indicator is not turning, record the reading on the water meter.
4. Wait thirty (30) minutes.
5. Record the new reading on your water meter. If the reading has changed, you have a leak.
6. NOTE: The water meter is the property of the City of Rio Rancho. If your water meter is leaking or if you suspect that the meter is not functioning properly, please call 891-5019.

How to Fix a Leak:
