Show All Answers

1. How do I check for leaks?

• Check all faucets and piping for leaks by monitoring for drips of water under sinks and from exposed pipes.
• Add a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, this means you have a leak. Some toilet leaks are intermittent, so you don’t always see or hear the water running.
• Use the water meter as a guide. Make sure all water using appliances are turned off, read the water meter, wait 10 to 15 minutes and read the water meter again. If the meter has moved at all there may be a leak.
• Check plumbing in the basement by monitoring for drips of water coming from exposed pipes.

Occasionally, leaks develop behind walls or in areas that are not visible. Read your meter periodically to monitor for drastic changes.

2. I will temporarily be away. What should I do?

If you will be away for an extended period of time, you may call the maintenance department at 518-237-0241 to shut off the water service at your property. Once the water service is shut off, all faucets should be completely drained. In addition, you should notify the billing office at 518-279-7100 of your forwarding address, so that you may receive your water and sewer bills. Troy has a return service with the Post Office, and any bills which are undelivered are returned to the city.

3. How do I prevent my pipes from freezing?

It is the responsibility of the property owner to protect the service pipe and water meter from freezing. If your meter does freeze, the City of Troy will replace the meter, and your account will be assessed a meter replacement fee. If the service pipe freezes, it is the owner's responsibility to thaw the frozen pipe or consult a licensed plumber.

Tips on preventing your pipes from freezing:

• Insulate water meter and pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces.
  Additionally, insulating hot water pipes will decrease your wait time for warm water.
• Repair broken and cracked windows, doors, and walls. Close all doors and windows near pipes, and make sure there is no draft.
• During cold weather (prolonged temperatures below 32 degrees), allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to water pipes that run through unheated spaces.
• Disconnect garden hoses, and install covers on all outside faucets. Shut off water to outside faucets, and drain those water lines.

4. What should I do if my pipes freeze?

Do not use an open flame to thaw a frozen pipe. This is not only a fire hazard, it could also cause a steam explosion. Use a hair dryer or heat lamp to thaw a frozen pipe, and open a nearby faucet to release vapor from melting ice.

When pipes are frozen, there is often water available at one faucet but not another. If there is no water at all, the problem may be in the street. Call the Department of Public Utilities maintenance department at 518-237-0241.

5. How do I read my water meter?

Your water meter is read from left to right, just like a car odometer. Your meter reads in gallons of water.