Identifying Water Leaks Around The Home

Water leaks around your home can cost you money not only on your water bill, but in unseen damage to your home. The most common types of leaks found around the typical home are worn out toilet flappers, dripping faucets, leaking valves and pipes. Fixing these leaks can pay for itself in water savings.

Checking for Leaks Around The Home

When checking for leaks around your home, you first need to determine whether you're wasting any water, and then identify the source of the leak. Check your water usage during the winter months. A family of four should not be using 12,000 gallons per month. The water is escaping somewhere. Have a look at your water meter before and after a couple hour period when water is not being used. If the meter shows any increase at all, you probably have a leak.

Leaking Toilets

You can identify toilet leaks by placing a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank. If any color shows up in the bowl after 15 minutes, you have a leak. The most common reason toilets leak is an old or worn out toilet flapper, also called a valve seal. Flappers are inexpensive rubber parts that can build up minerals or decay over time. Replacing them can be a quick and easy fix for your water loss. Also examine the toilet gaskets and  fittings for any water leaks on the outside of the toilet.

Leaking Faucets & Shower Heads

The most common cause of leaking faucets are old, worn faucet washers and gaskets. Many times a leaky shower head can be fixed by ensuring there is a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe and by using pipe tape (Teflon tape) to secure the connection.  For valve leaks in a shower that drips when not in use, contact ABC for professional repair.

Leaking Water Heaters

Old water heater tanks can rust and develop leaks over time. Inspect the area around the water heater tank for signs of water leaks or stains. If you are still experiencing water loss after checking the plumbing fixtures around your home, call ABC. can help you solve the more difficult water leak problems.