1 in 10 Homes have Small Leaks that Waste Big

If your water meter spins while all faucets and irrigation are shut OFF, you may have a leak that needs fixing.
Even a little leak can waste a lot of water… and money on your water bill. Being a leak detective is easy and we are here to help.
We’ve gathered up information and videos to get you started finding and fixing the most common types of leaks,
including worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves.

The Facts on Leaks

Water Meter:

Using your water meter is a great place to start looking for leaks. Make sure you’re turned off all faucets and appliances and the head to the curb to find your water meter. Watch this video tutorial to see how to use your water meter as a leak detective.

Toilet:

Check for leaks: Open the tank on the back of the toilet and add several drops of food coloring, or check with your water provider for FREE toilet leak detection dye tablets. Wait 20 minutes. If colored water shows up in the toilet bowl, there is a leak. Don’t forget to flush afterwards to avoid staining the toilet. Video Tutorial

Fix the leak: Replace or re-adjust the flapper and check for leaks again. Video Tutorial

En español: Aprenda comó detectar y arreglar fugas en su baño aquí.

Faucets and Shower Heads:

Check for leaks: Look for slow drips or steady streams of water when the faucet is turned completely off. You can use a drip gauge if you want to get fancy. Video Tutorial

Fix the leak: Check the faucet washers, gaskets and seats for wear and replace them if necessary. On rare occasion you may need to replace the entire faucet. Choose an efficient faucet if you have to go this route.

Irrigation Systems:

Check for leaks: Walk your yard and look for tall vegetation or moss growing around sprinkler heads, wet or soft spots, eroding soil, dry spots in your lawn or wet spots on pavement as these indicate a leak in your system. You should also check each spigot and all garden hose connections. Disconnect the hose to make sure there is are no leaks in the spigot itself and also check for leaks where the hose connects to the spigot, another hose or a spray nozzle. Video Tutorial

Fix the leak: Clean and adjust your sprinkler heads as necessary. If your spigot or hose leak, replace the nylon or rubber washer and ensure a tight connection to the spigot using pipe tape and a wrench.

Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the US EPA. Check out their resources for finding and fixing leaks in your home.