To check for a water leak, follow these steps:
- Check Your Water Meter:
- Look at the flow indicator on your water meter.
- Make sure no water is being used inside your home.
- If the indicator is moving, water is flowing through the meter, which could mean a leak.
- Test for Leaks in the Water Service Line:
- Turn off the main valve to your home.
- If the meter indicator is still moving, there may be a leak between the meter and the main valve.
- If the indicator stops, the leak is inside your home.
- Identify the Source Inside:
- With the main valve open and the indicator moving, turn off each fixture (toilets, sinks, etc.) one by one.
- Check the meter each time you turn off a fixture.
- If the indicator stops after turning off a fixture, that fixture is the source of the leak.
- Check Toilets:
- Open the tank cover.
- If the water level is above the overflow tube, adjust the float so the water level is about ½ inch below the top of the tube.
- If the valve controlled by the float is leaking, it might need to be replaced.
- To check the flapper valve, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait 10 minutes. If colored water appears in the bowl, the flapper valve needs replacing.
- Inspect Your Irrigation System:
- Review the settings to ensure you don’t have multiple programs running simultaneously or for too long.