Water leaks might seem minor, but they waste huge amounts of water and money every year.
According to the EPA, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water annually across the U.S. That’s enough to supply water to 11 million homes for a year. The average household loses about 10,000 gallons to leaks annually, often from sources that are easy to fix but hard to spot.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to find a leak in your house using proven methods from the EPA’s 10-Minute WaterSense Challenge, explain what to look for in each room, and show you how TX Hydrojet can help when you need professional leak detection and repairs.
Why Hidden Leaks Are a Big Deal
Hidden leaks don’t just add a few dollars to your water bill. They can lead to:
- Higher utility costs month after month
- Mold and structural damage that requires costly repairs
- Wasted water, which contributes to regional drought concerns
- Health risks, especially if water damage leads to mold growth
Because many leaks happen behind walls, under floors, or in low-traffic areas, they often go unnoticed until the damage is already done. Catching a leak early can save you time, money, and a major headache later.
Start with the EPA’s 10-Minute WaterSense Challenge
The 10-Minute WaterSense Challenge from the EPA is a quick and effective way to check your home for common leaks. Here’s how to get started:
1. Check Your Water Bill
Compare your current water bill to last month’s. A sudden spike in usage—especially in winter months when irrigation isn’t a factor—can signal a hidden leak. The EPA notes that if a family of four uses more than 12,000 gallons per month, they likely have a serious leak.
2. Read Your Water Meter
Turn off all water in your home and wait two hours. Then, check your water meter. If the reading changes while no water is being used, that’s a strong indication of a leak.
3. Test Your Toilets
Add a few drops of food coloring into the tank of your toilet. Wait ten minutes. If colored water appears in the bowl, you’ve got a leaking flapper. This is one of the most common and easiest-to-fix household leaks.
4. Listen and Look
While waiting on your toilet test, walk around your home and listen for dripping faucets or running water. Look under sinks, around toilets, and behind appliances for signs of moisture or corrosion.
5. Don’t Forget Outdoors
Check hose bibs and spigots for drips. Inspect irrigation systems for broken sprinkler heads or unusual water pooling in the yard.
These steps take just 10 minutes but can reveal leaks that might be wasting thousands of gallons a year.
Room-by-Room Leak Detection Guide
Here’s where to look and what to check in each area of your home:
In the Bathroom
- Toilets: Listen for running water and do the food coloring test
- Faucets: Check for slow drips or signs of corrosion
- Showerheads: Look for stray spray or dripping when turned off
- Tub Diverter: If water continues to flow from the tub when switched to shower mode, the diverter may be faulty
- Under the Sink: Look for pooling water, rust, or damp wood
In the Kitchen
- Faucets: Check the base for leaks when turned on
- Sprayer: Test the spray pattern and inspect for drips
- Under the Sink: Look for wet spots, water stains, or rusted fittings
- Appliances: Inspect the area around your dishwasher and refrigerator for moisture or signs of a damaged water line
Laundry & Utility Rooms
- Washing Machine: Check hoses for cracks and tighten connections
- Utility Sink: Inspect the trap and pipe joints underneath
- Water Heater: Look for pooling water around the base, corrosion, or water stains
Outdoors
- Spigots: Make sure hose connections are tight and washers are intact
- Irrigation System: Look for broken heads, overspray, or soggy spots in your yard
Throughout the House
- Ceilings and Walls: Watch for bubbling paint, stains, or mold patches
- Floors: Warped flooring or discolored baseboards can be a sign of ongoing leaks
Even small leaks in these areas can contribute to high water bills and serious long-term damage.
How to Read Your Water Meter to Confirm a Leak
Reading your water meter is one of the most effective ways to confirm a hidden leak. Here’s how to do it:
- Turn off all water inside and outside your home
- Locate your water meter (usually near the curb or in the basement)
- Record the number displayed on the dial or digital face
- Wait two hours without using any water
- Check the meter again
If the reading has changed, water is moving through your system, even when it shouldn’t be. That’s a strong sign you have a leak somewhere in your plumbing.
Small Fixes You Can Do Yourself
Some leaks are easy to fix with just a few tools and a trip to the hardware store:
- Replace toilet flappers if they’re worn or don’t seal properly
- Tighten faucet handles or fittings if they’re dripping
- Wrap leaking showerheads with plumber’s tape
- Swap out hose washers if your outdoor spigots are leaking
- Install WaterSense-labeled fixtures for long-term water savings
Fixing these issues not only prevents water waste but may also reduce your monthly utility bill.
When to Call a Professional
Not all leaks can be fixed with a wrench and some tape. You should contact a professional plumber if:
- You suspect a leak behind a wall or under your foundation
- Water damage appears without an obvious source
- You find mold, musty smells, or sagging ceilings
- Your irrigation system has low pressure or won’t shut off
- Your water bill is consistently high with no explanation
At TX Hydrojet, we specialize in leak detection using advanced tools like video camera inspections, moisture sensors, and thermal imaging. If you’ve spotted signs of water damage or can’t locate the source of a leak, a licensed Houston plumber from TX Hydrojet can identify the issue and stop the water waste quickly.
Prevent Future Leaks with Regular Maintenance
Once your leaks are under control, the next step is prevention. Here are some best practices for keeping your plumbing in good shape:
- Schedule annual plumbing inspections to catch small problems early
- Check hoses and connections every six months, especially on appliances
- Install smart leak detectors in high-risk areas like under sinks or near the water heater
- Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and cracking in colder months
- Flush out irrigation systems at the start of spring to check for damage
Staying ahead of potential leaks protects your property, saves money, and conserves water.
Final Thoughts
Finding and fixing leaks in your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few simple checks—like reading your meter, listening for drips, and using the toilet dye test—can go a long way in identifying water waste. And when you need help, TX Hydrojet is here with the tools, experience, and licensed plumbers to locate and repair even the toughest leaks.
Don’t let a hidden leak drain your wallet or damage your home. Call TX Hydrojet when it’s time to bring in the experts.
FAQs
What’s the fastest way to tell if I have a hidden leak?
Check your water meter during a two-hour window when no water is in use. A changing reading means a leak is likely.
Why is my water bill so high even if I don’t see any leaks?
You may have a hidden leak behind a wall, underground, or in an appliance. These often go unnoticed for weeks.
How does the toilet dye test work?
Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl after 10 minutes without flushing, you have a leak.
Can a dripping faucet really waste a lot of water?
Yes. A slow drip can waste more than 3,000 gallons a year—equivalent to over 180 showers.
What kind of meter reading change confirms a leak?
Any increase in your meter reading during a no-use period signals a leak.
How do I find a leak under my foundation or slab?
Professional tools like video inspections and thermal imaging are needed to detect slab leaks.
Are water heater leaks dangerous?
Yes. They can lead to flooding, electrical issues, or mold if left unaddressed.
Should I turn off my water supply if I suspect a leak?
Yes. Turning off your main valve can help prevent further damage until repairs are made.
Can I check my irrigation system for leaks on my own?
Yes. Look for broken sprinkler heads, puddling, and overspray. Run zones one at a time to isolate issues.
How quickly can TX Hydrojet inspect and repair a leak?
We offer same-day service and 24/7 emergency support, with a typical response time of under 60 minutes.
