Indoors

Check all water line connections and faucets for leaks. A slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water each day or 5,000 gallons of water per month.

Plumbing

Check for leaks by visually inspecting all pipes, valves, and plumbing. Check valves, hoses and connections to all appliances:

  • Dishwashers
  • Hot Water Heaters
  • Refrigerators
  • Reverse Osmosis Systems
  • Washing Machines
  • Water Softeners

Look for water marks on walls, ceilings or floors.

Faucets

A slow dripping faucet can add up to thousands of gallons of lost water every year. (Count the number of drips per minute and visit the American Water Works Association’s website to determine how much water is wasted by using their drip calculator.)

Toilets

Toilets are common and large sources of water loss. Up to 7,000 gallons of water can be lost per day because of a leaking toilet ($20 to $1,300 a month in addition to your regular bill). Here are some clues to help you determine if your toilet is costing you money:

  1. Listen for the toilet running.
  2. Ensure the flush valve and refill valve are working properly
    1. Draw a pencil line on the inside of the tank at the water line
    2. Flush the toilet and watch the tank refill
    3. If the water level falls below the pencil mark (and then rises above it), there is a faulty fill valve.
    4. If the water level rises above the marked line (and then goes down afterward) the flapper is leaking.
  3. Make sure the toilet does not have a ‘silent leak’.
    1. Ensure the water in the tank and bowl are clear
    2. Add food coloring or dye to the tank water
    3. Wait 30 minutes (do not use the toilet in this time period)
    4. If, after the 30 minutes, the water in the bowl is colored then the toilet is leaking

Sinks

Use a pan of water or place a stopper in the sink for washing and rinsing dishes rather than turning on the water each time a rinse is needed.

Dishwasher / Washing Machines

Never run the dishwasher or clothes washer without a full load save water, energy, detergent, and money.

Check water requirements of various models and brands when considering purchasing any new appliances. Some use less water than others.