Detecting Water Leaks

How to Detect a Water Leak

• If you suspect a water leak, turn off all the faucets in the house. Check your water meter to see if the flow detector (a small red or black marker) is moving.

• If the flow detector moves, then stops, then moves again, it is a good indication that your toilet valve is leaking or that there may be a very small leak.

• If the flow detector moves slowly, it is a good indication that you have a small leak.

• If the flow detector moves rapidly, it is a good indication that you have a break in your line - check for soggy areas in your yard or under your house.

Leak Sources

• Your toilet may have a silent leak. Drop a little food coloring into the tank. Wait about 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.

• Check for moist spots around and under the house plumbing and around outdoor plumbing.

• Replace worn washers in faucets and showerheads. Even a small drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water each day, or 5,000 gallons per month.

Possible Toilet Leak Sources

• The flapper valve and valve seat (A) have deteriorated or corroded.

• The flushing arm and lift chain (B) are not working properly.

• The water level in the tank is too high and spills into the overflow tube (C).

• The float rod, ballcock and / or float ball (D) are corroded.

Water leaks are costly. A “typical” toilet leak at today’s rates can add three hundred dollars ($300) to a single water bill. Our information is provided as a courtesy with hopes of action on your part, which may minimize an unnecessary waste of water and expense to you.