How to find a hidden water leak in your home
Short answer
Turn off every fixture and watch the water meter. If it keeps moving, you have a leak. Then shut the main valve and check whether the meter stops, which tells you if the leak is inside the house or in the line from the street.
A higher water bill, the sound of running water when nothing is on, or warm spots on the floor are common signs of a hidden leak.
The water meter is the fastest way to confirm it.
Use the water meter
- Turn off every faucet, appliance and irrigation system.
- Find the leak indicator on the meter, usually a small triangle or dial.
- If it moves, water is flowing somewhere.
Inside or outside?
Close the main shutoff valve inside the house. If the meter stops, the leak is inside. If it keeps moving, the leak is in the service line between the meter and the house.
Check the usual suspects
Toilets are the most common source. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. Color in the bowl means the flapper is leaking. Also check under sinks, behind the washing machine and around the water heater.
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