How to Test for a Leaking Water Pipe

Water leaks in the home, regardless of size, can add up to thousands of gallons of water wasted per year. A slow leak can increase the water bill substantially if not corrected. Energy costs increase as well if the leak is hot water. If a water bill appears to be high and a leak is suspected, locating and repairing the pipe saves money, conserves water and might eliminate the potential of costly repairs due to damage. Most leaks occur at a faucet or toilet and usually are relatively easy to detect and repair.

Things You'll Need

• Food coloring

Instructions

1. Remove the tank lids of every toilet in the house, and add a few drops of food coloring to the water in the tanks.

2. Wait 30 minutes, then check the color of the water in the toilet bowls. Clear toilet water indicates the problem is not the toilet.

3. Inspect each faucet in bathrooms, the kitchen and the laundry room for drips. A leaky faucet can usually be corrected by replacing a faulty washer.

4. Verify that every faucet, appliance and fixture that uses water in the house is off, and then shut off the anti-siphon valve on the sprinkler system. Look at the water meter to check the flow indicator. If the flow indicator is moving, then the sprinkler system is the problem.

5. Locate the water-shutoff value that cuts off all water to the home. This is usually in the front yard or in the garage. Turn on any faucet in the house to verify the water is off. Check the water flow indicator on the meter; if it is moving, the leak is between the shutoff valve and the water meter.

References

• Saving Water: Leaks
• Southern Nevada Water Authority: Finding Leaks
• Home Doctor: Leak Detection