STEP 2: Fix the leak.
If you found a leak, the next step is finding the source of the leak and stopping it. Continuous leaks as small as 1/16th of an inch can cause water waste as much as 24,667 gallons in a month. A dripping faucet can waste 3 gallons a day or 1095 gallons a year. Finding and repairing a leak saves water and money.
Water leaks come in many sizes and varieties. Some water leaks require the expertise of a plumber and the resident can easily repair others. Some of the most common sources of water leaking are sprinkler systems, toilets, and faucets.
Below are a few tips to try before calling a plumber:
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank of the toilet. Wait a few minutes and then look for any color seeping into the bowl. If there is color, then the toilet is leaking.
- While slowly walking the trench line between your meter and your home, be aware of any “squishy” areas.
- Be aware of any areas of the yard that are unusually green.