Detect a Leak

An important step in conserving water in your home is to check for leaks. Leaks can occur in sinks, pipes or toilets in ways that can be difficult to detect with the naked eye.

• TOILETS
  Drop a few drops of food coloring into the tank. Wait a few minutes. If the color shows up in the bowl, the flapper is leaking and needs to be replaced. This can occur even with new toilets and flappers. Sometimes toilets “run.” This is caused by a faulty flushing mechanism and it needs to be replaced. A toilet that runs continuously can use around 4,000 gallons per day! Even a slow, silent leak can add gallons to your bill.

• FAUCETS
  Make sure your faucets turn off completely. Even a slow drip can use as much as 5,000 gallons of water per month, while a steady stream can lose up to 21,000 gallons per month.

• PIPES
  Check any exposed pipes for leaks. Listen for the sound of running water. Many leaks can be detected by sound as well as by sight. Even if you cannot hear or see a leak, close all water outlets (faucets and taps) and check your meter just to be on the safe side.

• OUTSIDE
  If you have an automatic irrigation system, periodically check for pipe and nozzle leaks. Run each sprinkler zone and watch for broken heads or pipes.

If you detect a leak in your house and need your water turned off at the meter, call 405-297-2833, or call 405-297-3334 for emergencies.