Toilets are one the most common sources of leaks in the home, and usually go unnoticed because the leaks are often silent and out of view. Several research studies have found that 20% to 35% of all residential toilets leak to some degree. To begin looking for leaks, remove the tank lid and inspect the flush mechanisms. The water level in the tank should be no higher than 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.  If the water level is to the very top of the overflow tube, water is slowly leaking into the overflow tube and down the drain.

To test for a toilet leak, add a few drops of food coloring to your toilet tank and wait 20 minutes. If the color shows up in your bowl, then you have a leak allowing water to flow from the tank to your drain without ever flushing the bowl. Large toilet leaks can be detected when the valve constantly emits a hissing or gurgling sound when the toilet is not in use.

Common causes of toilet leaks include:

• The flapper valve or valve seat has deteriorated
• The flushing arm or lift chain is not working properly
• The tank water level is too high and spills into the overflow
• The float rod, ballcock, or float ball may be worn or corroded

Leaks in toilets always get larger and more costly over time. The sooner repairs are made the more quickly you can start saving water – and money.

Note: Sometimes by turning meter off and then back on will correct the leak if flapper is leaking because it will reset the flapper. If this happens it would be wise to go ahead and replace the flapper.

Common signs of a slab leak:

• A moist, damp, or wet spot on the floor
• A warm spot on the ground if the leak is in a hot water pipe
• Sounds of water dripping or trickling in an unexpected place
• Water coming through the foundation
• Sudden settling of the foundation

These leaks are often difficult to detect because the supply pipe is usually buried at least 3 feet below the ground surface. A common exit point for the leaking water might be where the supply line rises above the ground and/or enters the house.

Everyone wants a lush lawn, but if an area in your yard is much greener (and grows faster) than the rest of the grass, it could indicate the spot where a buried water line is leaking. If the leak is large enough, you might even see some puddles on the surface of the ground.

Check your outside spigots by attaching a garden hose; if water seeps through the connection while the hose is running, replace the rubber hose gasket and check to see all connections are tight.

If the water meter test indicates a leak inside your home, check the cabinets under the kitchen, laundry, and bathroom sinks to make sure they’re dry. You’ll also want to look for puddles around the bases of tubs, toilets, and showers and beneath the water heater, dishwasher, and clothes washer.