most common leaks


Learn to use the Leak Detector on your water meter to help locate leaks.
Leaks can be silent and may even be intermittent. 
   Faucet WaterSense calculates approximately 5-10% of American homes
have water leaks that drip away 90 gallons a day or more! 

Toilets
  • Inspect the flush valve and overflow valve in all toilets. Test for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait approximately 30 minutes, without flushing the toilet. If you see the food coloring seep into the toilet bowl, a leak is confirmed. A “shimmer” on the surface of the toilet bowl water and is another way to discover a leak.
  • The flush valve or “flapper” in the bottom of the toilet tank will eventually wear out.  Be sure to replace the flapper correctly.
  • Verify the tank water level is approximately one inch below the overflow valve.  Make sure the water in the tank is not running into the overflow tube.  The arm of the ball float can be adjusted to bring the water level to the desired height. Check the refill tube in relation to the overflow tube to ensure no siphoning when the tank is refilling.
  • Consider low flow toilets, which use approximately half the water per flush compared to conventional types.

Appliances 
  • Inspect water powered back-up sump pumps and ensure they completely turn off after each use.
  • Inspect the furnace humidifier overflow valve for excessive water flow.

Irrigation System
  • Regularly inspect for breaks in underground lines or sprinkler heads that may contribute to a system leak.


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