To check for a water leak in the house:
1. Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances. Make sure no one uses water during the test period!
2. Take a reading on your water meter, wait 30 minutes, then take a second reading. If the dial has moved, you have a leak. Call a licensed plumber to locate and repair the leak.
Leak Detection and Repair
To check for a water leak between your meter and house:
1. Turn off the the water supply to your house (locations vary, but the valve is somewhere between the water meter and the hot water tank).
2. Check your water meter; if it is still moving, you have a leak in the water line from the meter to your house. Call a licensed plumber to locate and repair the leak.
Toilet Leaks
Leaky toilets not only waste water, but can also damage floors and subfloors--and ceilings if the toilet is located on an upper floor. This seemingly small problem can add up to big headaches and lots of money!
To check for toilet leaks:
1. Place food coloring in the toilet's water tank. If the dye shows up in the bowl after 15 minutes, the toilet has a leak.
2. Check around the base of the toilet; even a small amount of water can indicate a leak. Call a licensed professional plumber to assist with repair or replacement of the toilet.
For more tips and suggestions, see our conservation page.
