Detecting Water Leaks

Inside the Home
To check for toilets leaks, put a few drops of colored liquid (food coloring, Kool-Aid, soda, etc.) into the tank. Wait approximately 10-15 minutes. If color shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. Sometimes these leaks go undetected as they cannot be seen or heard. Oftentimes, replacing the flapper alone will fix most toilets.

If a toilet is "running," then there is a faulty flushing mechanism and it needs to be replaced.

Check faucets to see if they are dripping and check all exposed pipes for leaks.

Outside the Home
Check around the house and yard for areas that may be greener than the rest of the lawn or wet spots. These may be an indication of a water leak.

Irrigation Systems
Automated irrigation system? Broken sprinkler heads only leak when the system is operating, but they don't usually add a lot of water usage unless they are turned on. A broken pipe in the system leaks regardless if it is turned on or off, and can add many more gallons to the usage. If automated, check the timer. During a power outage your timers can reset, causing your system to run continuously when you are not aware.

Hoses & Spigots
Watering with a water hose? Check the hose to make sure there are no large holes or slits allowing extra water to run out.

Check all outside spigots for leaks.

Water Meter
The best place to detect a leak is at the water meter outside. If all the faucets are turned off inside the home, you may lift the meter lid and observe the digital readings on the meter. If the readings are continuing to go up that indicates a possible leak.  

If you have any concerns about your daily usage please contact Customer Service at 405-739-1252 or 405-739-1254.