Water-Saving Tips

How to Check for Leaks
Leaks are losers of both water and money. You may have a leak inside or outside your home or business without even knowing it. A small leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month. Check toilets, pipes, hoses, faucets, and connections both indoors and outdoors at least once a year. Following are tips to help you determine if you have a leak.

Checking Your Water Meter for leaks
Your water meter is usually located wherever the water line enters your property.

• Turn off all of the water inside and outside.
• Look for the red needle on the meter and note where it's pointed. (If you don't see a red needle, you probably have a different type of meter. Contact your local water provider for assistance.)
• Wait 10 minutes or more and look at the red needle again.
• If it has moved and you can't account for the difference by a humidifier, toilet flush, ice-cube maker, or other use, you probably have a leak.

Checking Your Toilet for leaks
The most common source of leaks is the toilet, so check here first for the leak by following these easy steps:

• Drop some food coloring or dye tablets in the toilet tank.
• Don't flush for 15 minutes.
• If you see color in the bowl, you probably have a leak, which will require further investigation.