Know your system
Oak Park buys Lake Michigan water from the City of Chicago, and the Village distributes it through about 105 miles of mains. Your building's water comes in through a service line. According to Village Public Works, the shut-off valve in the parkway is operated only by Village employees, and leaks between that valve and your building are the property owner's responsibility.
Inside, find your main shut-off and your water meter. Take a photo of the meter and test the shut-off valve twice a year so it moves when you need it.
Run a quarterly meter test
- Turn off all water use in the building.
- Note the meter reading and the low-flow indicator.
- Wait at least two hours.
- Read the meter again. Any change means a leak.
Check fixtures and appliances
- Do a dye test in each toilet tank.
- Dry-wipe supply lines and shut-off valves under sinks.
- Inspect washing-machine and dishwasher hoses and replace old rubber ones with braided hoses.
- Look at the water heater base for rust, moisture or mineral buildup.
- Check the sump pump and floor drains if you have a basement.
Seasonal habits
In fall, disconnect garden hoses and drain outdoor lines. Before the first hard freeze, know where exposed pipes are. In spring, check outdoor faucets and irrigation, and test your sump pump before storms. See our guides to irrigation maintenance and preparing for heavy rains.
When to bring in a professional
If the meter says water is moving but you cannot find it, call for help. A professional can use non-invasive tools to find the source. See residential leak detection and preventative leak maintenance.
Before hiring anyone, read our checklist: what every Oak Park homeowner should check before hiring a leak detection pro.
