How to find hidden water leaks and prevent water damage

Leaks waste a surprising amount of water. The EPA’s WaterSense program says the average household’s leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year, and that about 9% of homes have leaks wasting 50 gallons or more a day. Many are easy to find once you know where to look.

Two simple checks

• Water meter test: the EPA suggests reading your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the reading changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Toilet dye test: put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color shows up in the bowl within 10 minutes without flushing, the toilet is leaking.

Where leaks usually hide

• Toilets, especially worn flappers and fill valves.
• Dripping faucets and showerheads.
• Washing machine hoses and connections.
• Under sinks, around dishwashers and refrigerator ice-maker lines.
• The water heater, its valves and connections.
• Irrigation systems, outdoor spigots and hoses.
• Slab leaks: pipes under a concrete foundation, common in many Southwest homes. Signs include warm spots on the floor, the sound of running water when everything is off, or cracks and dampness in flooring.

Preventing water damage

• Know where your main water shutoff is, and make sure it turns.
• Check the connections on your washing machine and dishwasher for wear or corrosion. Travelers reports that, on average, about one in 50 homeowners files a non-weather water damage claim each year, at an average cost of almost $11,000.
• Inspect washing machine hoses for bulges or cracks, and consider braided stainless steel hoses.
• Consider leak sensors near the water heater, washing machine and under sinks. Some systems can shut off the water automatically.
• Turn off the water supply to the washer, or the whole house, before leaving home for an extended trip.

When to call a plumber

If the meter test shows a leak you can’t find, if you suspect a slab leak, or if you see water stains or damp spots on walls, floors or ceilings, call a licensed plumber. Plumbers have leak detection equipment that can locate leaks behind walls and under slabs with less tearing out. The EPA notes that fixing easy-to-find leaks can save homeowners about 10% on their water bills.