How to Find Water Leaks in a House

Even the smallest leaks in your house add up to gallons of wasted water and potentially hundreds of dollars per year on your water bill. Unfortunately leaks are not always obvious and can go a long time before being noticed. You can save a little money by doing some basic tests on your own before calling in the professionals. Here are a few do-it-yourself ways to check for leaks in your house.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Food coloring

1. Turn off all fixtures and make sure that no appliances that use water are running.

2. Check the water meter for water flow activity. If the red arrow flow indicator is rotating it means there is a leak somewhere in the house.

3. Check the faucets of sinks and bathtubs. Water usually leaks from the spout and is easily detectable. But it may also be leaking from on and off handles or loose fittings. Tighten loose fittings about a quarter of a turn if you observe a leak. Leaking fittings are often caused by the rubber washer being loose or deteriorated. Replacing the rubber washer is an easy fix if determined to be the source of the leak.

4. Check the toilet by dropping a few drops of food coloring into the tank. After ten minutes if the food coloring shows up in the bowl, the toilet is leaking. Toilets are the most common source of leaks in the house and if you are able to determine what components of the toilet are leaking you can purchase the appropriate repair kit from a home improvement store.

5. Check the water supply lines on appliances that use water. Sometimes a leaking appliance is obvious, leaving a puddle of water on the floor in front of the appliance. Other times the leak is small and stays hidden under the appliance where you may not see it. If you find wetness, bulges or deterioration in the supply line, you know you have a leak.

Tips & Warnings

• Other than finding the leak and tightening any loose components, you should consult a professional to repair your plumbing.