How can I tell if I have a plumbing leak?

Water meter dialTo check for household leaks, turn off the water inside and outside your home. Observe the test hand (depicted at right in blue); if it moves, there is water pushing through the meter, indicating a leak. To locate a leak, try:

  • Looking for wet spots that could indicate a leak in the pipe between the meter and the home or the sprinkler system.
  • Dropping a dye tablet in the toilet tank. Don’t flush. If colored water appears in the bowl, the toilet leaks.
  • Listening for the sound of running water coming from your toilet. If you hear running water, your toilet has a leak.