Finding Water Leaks at Home

Water leaks around your home can add up to thousands of gallons of water wasted each year. Fixing leaks inside and outside your home can save 27 to 90 gallons of water each day, helping to conserve a precious resource and saving you money on your water bill. But how do you find a water leak?

Locate the leak

First, make sure no water is being used inside or outside your home. Locate your water meter and check the leak indicator to see if it is moving. The leak indicator could be a small triangular or star-shaped dial. If the dial is moving, you most likely have a leak.

The next step is to determine if the leak is inside or outside your home. Locate your home’s main shut-off valve and shut off the water to your home. If the leak indicator stops moving, then you have a leak inside your home. If the leak indicator continues to move, then the leak is outside your home.

Indoor Leaks

The most common indoor water leak is caused by a leaky toilet. Obvious signs of a toilet leak are the sound of running water or wet spots around the base of the toilet. You can also detect less obvious leaks by adding food coloring or a dye tablet in your toilet tank and waiting 15 minutes. If the colored water appears in the bowl, your toilet is leaking. For common problems that cause a leaky toilet click here. If you need dye tablets, stop by the public counter at City Hall. The City provides free dye tablets to residents (while supplies last).

Another common indoor leak is a dripping faucet. First, try closing it tightly. If the drip continues, it is most likely a worn or wrong-size stem washer. You can take the washer to a plumbing or hardware store and ask a representative to help you match it with a new one. You can install it yourself or call a plumber.

Outside Leaks

Common outdoor leaks include sprinkler systems, pools, and dripping outdoor faucets. Wet spots or patches of grass that are greener than the rest of your yard may indicate a leak. Sprinkler systems should be checked for broken sprinkler heads and faulty automatic timers. Pool systems should be checked regularly. If your pool is losing an eighth of an inch or more per day, there is likely a leak. Make sure to cover your pool when not in use. Uncovered pools use as much water (through evaporation) as lawns.

Monitor your water usage

Another indicator of a water leak is a spike in your monthly water usage. Make sure to closely evaluate your bill each month. If your water is provided by the City of Thousand Oaks, you may also sign up for a free EyeOnWater account for more detailed information. Sign up here.

For additional water conservation information visit: https://www.toakswater.org