Household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually nationwide. The average home loses 10,000 gallons per year to leaks—enough to fill a backyard swimming pool. Finding and fixing leaks is one of the easiest ways to save water and money.
gallons from a 1/16" leak
gallons wasted per day
potential savings from fixes
Check Your Meter First
The easiest way to detect a hidden leak is to check your water meter:
Turn off all water
Make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home. Don't run dishwashers, washing machines, or irrigation.
Read your meter
Locate your water meter (usually near the street) and record the reading. Note the position of the flow indicator dial.
Wait 1-2 hours
Don't use any water during this time. Make sure no one flushes toilets or turns on faucets.
Read again
If the meter reading changed or the flow indicator moved, you have a leak somewhere in your system.
Common Leak Locations
Toilets (Most Common)
Toilets are the most common source of household leaks. A silent toilet leak can waste 200+ gallons per day.
The Dye Test:
- Remove the tank lid
- Add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the tank
- Wait 10-15 minutes without flushing
- If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak
Common causes:
- Worn flapper valve (most common—easy $5 fix)
- Faulty fill valve
- Cracked overflow tube
- Loose tank bolts
Faucets
A faucet dripping once per second wastes over 3,000 gallons per year. Check all faucets in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility areas.
How to fix:
- Most drips are caused by worn washers or O-rings
- Turn off water supply, disassemble faucet, replace worn parts
- Consider upgrading to WaterSense faucets for long-term savings
Showerheads
Check for drips when the shower is off and leaks where the showerhead connects to the pipe.
How to fix:
- Tighten the connection with pliers (use a cloth to protect the finish)
- Replace the washer inside the showerhead
- Apply pipe thread tape to the threads
Irrigation Systems
Outdoor leaks are easy to miss because they're often underground or hidden in landscaping.
Signs of irrigation leaks:
- Unusually green or soggy areas in your lawn
- Water pooling or running off into the street
- Reduced water pressure at sprinkler heads
- Higher than expected water bills during irrigation season
How to check:
- Run each zone manually and inspect all heads
- Look for broken, tilted, or missing sprinkler heads
- Check for water bubbling up from underground
- Inspect valves and backflow preventers
Water Heater
Check the pressure relief valve and connections for drips or moisture. A leaking water heater can waste water and may indicate a failing tank.
Supply Lines
Inspect supply lines under sinks, behind toilets, and to appliances like washing machines and dishwashers. Braided stainless steel lines should be replaced every 5-10 years.
DIY vs. Professional Help
| Issue | DIY Difficulty | When to Call a Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet flapper | Easy | If problem persists after replacement |
| Faucet drip | Easy-Medium | Cartridge-style or unfamiliar faucets |
| Showerhead | Easy | If threads are damaged |
| Supply lines | Medium | If lines are corroded or hard to access |
| Irrigation | Medium | Underground leaks, valve issues |
| Water heater | Hard | Most issues—safety risk |
| Slab leak | N/A | Always call a professional |
Free Leak Detection Resources
BPUB offers resources to help you detect and fix leaks:
When to Contact BPUB
Contact BPUB if you suspect a leak on the utility side of your meter:
- Water pooling near the meter box
- Wet areas between the meter and your property line
- Meter spinning when all water is off and you've ruled out household leaks
Report a potential utility-side leak:
- Phone: (956) 983-6100
- Online: Report an Issue
Unexplained High Bill?
If you've fixed all visible leaks but still have high usage, contact us. Our team can help identify the source.