LEAK DETECTION TIPS BECAUSE EVERY DROP COUNTS

We are committed to environmental stewardship and the responsible management of our precious natural resources. By using these leak detection tips to identify and repair water leaks, you can help make a difference in your monthly bill while conserving water.

WATER LEAKS ADD UP

Imagine that the dot inside these brackets [•] is the only hole in your home’s water system. By its size alone, that hole may not seem worth tracking down. But that hole can waste thousands of gallons of water each month!

KNOW HOW TO SHUT OFF YOUR WATER

Your main shut-off valve controls all of the water coming into your house. Everyone in your home should know where it’s located and how to turn it off. In case of an emergency such as a burst pipe, fast action could prevent costly damage from flooding. Locate your main water shut-off valve. In many homes, it is located near the water meter or close to where the water pipe enters the home. Hang the I.D. tag on the valve so you can find it quickly in an emergency.

THE LEAKY TOILET

Toilet flushes make up about 25 percent of the average household use. Accounting for the majority of indoor water waste, toilet leaks can often go unnoticed. Common causes include:

• Float arm problems: Remove the lid from the flush tank. See if the overflow pipe and the plunger ball are working properly. Do this by flushing the toilet, watching the tank mechanism and listening. You should hear the water flow shut off.If the water does not shut off, check the water level. Most newer toilets have an adjusting screw on the top of the fill valve. Turn clockwise to lower level; counter-clockwise to raise level. If you have a toilet that doesn’t have a set screw, it may be time to upgrade to a high efficiency toilet. If the toilet has a pilot-type float, you can lower the water level by lowering the stiff wire-like link using the V-Shaped clip.
• A tiny pinhole: A pinhole opening below the overflow pipe’s water line could produce an invisible leak. Check for this by shining a flashlight down into the overflow pipe. If you see running water, you have a leak that should be repaired.
• Defective plunger ball (flapper valve): This is often a silent leak which causes the tank to continually drain and refill. Check for a worn or improperly seated plunger ball (flapper valve) by dropping a dye-tracing tablet or a few drops of food coloring, into the toilet tank. Do not flush. If a leak exists, the dye-colored water will seep into the bowl in about five minutes. If it does, the plunger ball (flapper valve) may need to be replaced or realigned.

THE LEAKY FAUCET

• A dripping faucet: Small leaks can add up to gallons of water (and money) wasted down the drain. If you notice a dripping faucet, first try closing it tightly. If it continues to drip, the most likely cause is a worn or wrong-size seat washer (also called a stem washer). To replace the washer yourself, you may need an adjustable wrench, a standard-blade screwdriver, and a Phillips screwdriver for older plumbing fixtures.
• Changing a washer: First, turn off the water supply to the faucet by closing the fixture’s shut-off valve (often located under the sink). Turn the valve clockwise until it’s tight. This shuts off the water to the sink only, and does not affect the water service for other parts of the house. Be sure the replacement washer is the same size as the worn one (if the worn washer was sized properly). If you need help, bring the worn washer to your plumbing supply or hardware store, and the store representative can help you match it with a new one.

NOT-SO-COMMON INDOOR LEAKS

• Water heater tank: The pressure valve release could be stuck. This valve is most often found near the top of the tank, and is usually a large brass fitting threaded into the tank. If it’s not working properly, water will be leaking from it, dripping down the side of the tank and accumulating on the floor.



• Boiler: Listen for the sound of running water. If it is continuous and does not stop and start periodically, your boiler system may have a leak.
• Water softener: If you have a water softener, it could be wasting water if it is not recycling properly. The cycling process, regulated by a timer, often occurs between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m. You’re likely to have a problem in this unit if you constantly hear the sound of running water.
• Washing machine: If you see water on the floor near the machine, it could mean a leak. You may want to call your washing machine repair service.
• Humidifier: Water accumulated beneath the unit could be a sign of a leak. If the overflow discharge is piped into a sewer or drainage line, you may not find any visual signs of a leak. Listen for running water. If it’s continuous, the float valve could be stuck.
• Fire suppression systems: Many newer homes and businesses have fire suppression systems. If so, check to make sure that the sprinkler heads are tight and not leaking. Dishwasher: Water accumulated on the floor near the unit could be a sign of a leak. You may want to call your dishwasher repair service.
• Refrigerator ice-making unit: A leak in the ice-making unit will cause excessive ice accumulation in the freezer and may also produce small puddles of water under the refrigerator. You may want to call your refrigerator repair service.
• Bathtubs & showers: Check the spout and shower head for dripping water. New washers may be needed on the faucet handles. You may be able to do this repair yourself by unscrewing the faucet and replacing the washer with one of the same size. Before doing this repair, close your home’s main shut-off valve.

OUTDOOR LEAKS

When checking for water leaks, many people forget that water faucets and equipment exist outside as well as inside the home. Here are four areas you shouldn’t overlook.

• Water faucets: Each faucet should be checked for leaks. Make sure faucets are closed when not in use. If you find a leaky faucet, change the washer (after closing the shut-off valve). In colder climates, during the winter, these inside shut-off valves should be closed to prevent freeze-ups. Be sure to open the outside faucet after you have shut the inside valve so that any water still in the pipes will drain out. These shut-off valves are usually in your basement. One shut-off valve may control all the outdoor faucets.
• Automatic lawn-sprinkling system: Soft spots on your lawn may indicate a leak that is being absorbed into the ground.
• Swimming pool: The pool system’s automatic shut-off valve could be malfunctioning, causing a continuous cycle of water to be pumped in and then drained out. If the water level stays higher than normal, or the pool overflows when people are using it, your automatic shut-off valve may need some attention.
• Service connecting line: If you find a soft, wet spot on your  lawn or hear running water outside your house, you may have a leak in the service line to your house. Water soaks into the ground, causing the soft spots. Close the main shut-off valve. If the sound of running water continues, the outside service could be leaking.

QUICK TIPS TO SAVE ON OUTDOOR WATER USE

• Only water when needed. Depending on the weather or type of plants/turf, you may only need to water once or twice per week.
• Water early in the morning or later in the day when the sun is low to minimize evaporation.
• Watch what you’re watering. Check sprinkler heads to be sure they’re not wasting water on paved or unwanted areas. Reduce run times for shaded areas.
• If rain is in the forecast, turn your sprinkler system off ahead of time. Install a WaterSense smart irrigation controller or rain sensors.
• Make use of rainwater. Water collected in rain barrels can be used later to water outdoor plants.

American Water received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 WaterSense Excellence Award for our strategic collaboration efforts in research and consumer education.