Leak detection is the process of finding water leaks in a building's plumbing. According to the EPA, household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water a year nationwide; the average household's leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year, and about 9% of homes have leaks that waste 50 gallons or more a day. Fixing easily corrected leaks can save homeowners about 10% on water bills.[1]
Common sources
The EPA lists worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, other leaking valves, showerheads, irrigation systems and garden hose connections as common leak sources.[1]
| Leak | Water wasted |
|---|---|
| Faucet dripping once per second | More than 3,000 gallons a year |
| Showerhead leaking 10 drips per minute | More than 500 gallons a year |
| Irrigation leak 1/32 inch across | About 6,300 gallons a month |
Source: EPA WaterSense.[1] An old or worn toilet flapper can make a toilet run on its own or leak silently, and the EPA recommends checking flappers periodically and replacing them at least every five years.[1]
Detection tests
Meter test. Read the water meter, use no water for two hours, then read it again; any change suggests a leak.[1] The City of Woodstock recommends the same test, turning off any icemaker first, and advises calling a plumber if the reading changes.[2]
Toilet dye test. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank; if color appears in the bowl within 10 minutes without flushing, the toilet is leaking.[1]
Usage check. In winter, a family of four using more than 12,000 gallons a month may have a serious leak.[1]
Signs of hidden leaks
Signs of a hidden leak include new or unexplained stains on walls or ceilings, peeling or bubbling paint, warped or soft floors, mold or mildew, lingering musty odors, and warped or discolored cabinets under sinks.[3] Water on the outside of pipe fittings or faucet gaskets indicates a surface leak.[1]
Who is responsible
In Woodstock, the city maintains water mains, meters and the line from the main to the meter, while property owners are responsible for the line from the meter to the building and for leaks inside it.[2]
Fix a Leak Week
The EPA's WaterSense program holds Fix a Leak Week each March to encourage homeowners to find and repair leaks; the 2026 event ran from March 16 to 22.[1]
References
- ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ "Fix a Leak Week". U.S. EPA WaterSense, updated March 13, 2026. epa.gov
- ^ ^ "Troubleshooting". City of Woodstock Water & Sewer Utility. woodstockga.gov
- ^ "Signs of Water Damage to Watch for in Kitchens and Bathrooms". The Bookshelf, Cornell University. blogs.cornell.edu