Fix a Leak

According to the EPA, the average household loses more than 10,000 gallons of water each year through leaks. Some water leaks are slow and difficult to detect, yet even the smallest leaks can add up quickly. Fortunately, most leaks are easy to find if you know where to look!

Check Your Meter

Observe your meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used in the home. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.

Check for leaks

Look for dripping faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and other fixtures. Also check for toilets with silent leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring into the tank and seeing if it appears in the bowl before you flush. Don’t forget to check irrigation systems and spigots too.

Twist and tighten hose and pipe connections

To save more water without a noticeable difference in flow in your bathroom faucet, twist on a WaterSense labeled faucet aerator.

Replace the fixture if necessary

Look for WaterSense labeled models, which are independently certified to use 20 percent less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.

10 Minute WaterSense Challenge

Detect and Chase Down Leaks Checklist for do-it-yourselfers interested in taking the challenge (available in both English and Spanish):

Be WaterSense Wise!

If you need to replace any hardware, look for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense seal on the product, or ask your plumber to recommend a WaterSense product. The EPA’s WaterSense program ensures that the product is water-efficient and better for the environment!

Learn more about WaterSense products here.