How do I check my water system for leaks?

1. Locate the water meter. It may be in the basement, or wherever the water line enters your


2. Read the meter twice. Read it first at night, after the day’s water use has ended—and again

in the morning, before any water is used.

3. Find the difference. Subtract the first from the second reading to tell how much water (if

any) leaked out overnight.

4. Check shut-off valves regularly. Repair or replace, as needed. Shut-off valves simplify

repairs and save water in emergencies.

5. Add food coloring to toilet tank water and check bowl in 15 minutes. (Don’t flush). Color in

bowl probably means there’s a leak.

6. Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Replace washers, and repair or replace fixtures, if


7. Check hose connections for leaks. Inspect pipes for pinhole leaks, leaking joints, etc.

Toilet Leaks

Dripping faucets and whistling or hissing toilets waste water, even when no one is using them.  Toilets often have “silent” leaks, too.

Toilet dye strips are provided as a courtesy to our customers to help them detect leaks, please call our office if you would like some sent to you. The following test is another way for our customers to detect a leak in their commode:

1)        Carefully take off the top of the toilet tank.

2)        Put 12 drops of red food coloring into the tank.

3)        Wait 15 minutes. If any red dye appears in the toilet bowl, water is                                                      leaking from the tank.

Keep in mind, most leaks are found in the customer’s commode. New toilets, old toilets, toilets that are never used, leaks that you are unable to hear; unfortunately, we continue to hear customers rationalize that the water meter is broken and therefore the cause of high water usage.

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