Leaks & Their Cost

1. Turn off all water in your home: (no faucets, appliances, or irrigation running)

2. Locate your water meter:

• Usually found in the basement
• Typically located on the wall facing the street
• About knee height

3. Watch the meter:

• If the numbers are moving, you likely have a leak
• If the numbers are not moving, no leak is detected at that time

Once you confirm a leak, check the following common areas:

1. Bathroom

Toilets (most common source):

Toilet leaks are a leading cause of high water bills and can be difficult to detect.

Dye test:

• Add food coloring or a dye tablet to the toilet tank
• Wait 10 minutes (do not flush)
• If color appears in the bowl, there is a leak

Next steps:

• Turn off the water supply to the toilet
• Mark the water level in the tank
• Wait 15 minutes
• If the water level drops, the flapper or seal is likely faulty
• If the water level stays the same, the float or fill valve may need adjustment

Other signs:

• Hissing or trickling sounds
• Toilet refilling on its own

Faucets and showerheads:

• Check for drips or stray sprays
• Clean or tighten aerators
• Replace worn fixtures if needed

Bathtubs:

• Run water and switch to shower mode
• If water continues from the tub spout, the diverter may need replacement

Under sinks:

• Check for pooling water
• Look for rust or corrosion on pipes and joints

2. Kitchen

Faucets and sprayers:

• Check for leaks or irregular spray patterns
• Tighten or clean components as needed

Under the sink:

• Look for pooling water or corrosion

Appliances:

• Check dishwashers and refrigerators with ice makers
• Water underneath may indicate a leaking supply line

3. Laundry / Utility Room

Washing machine:

• Check for water under the unit (possible hose leak)

Water softener:

• Watch for frequent regeneration cycles
• Check for water pooling

Test method:

• Place softener in bypass mode
• Check the water meter
• If the meter stops moving, the softener may be leaking
• If it continues moving, the issue is elsewhere

Water heater:

• Check for water around the base
• This may indicate corrosion or tank failure

Maintenance tips

• Flush sediment every 6 months
• Test the pressure relief valve periodically
• Typical water heater lifespan is 10–15 years

Water Lateral Service Leak

Signs of a service leak may include:

• Hearing water running when no fixtures are in use
• Dirty or discolored water that does not clear after running taps for several minutes
• Low water pressure throughout the property
• Banging or “hammering” sounds near the water meter

Irrigation Systems

Look for the following signs of leaks:

• Soggy or overly green areas in the yard
• Hissing sounds from sprinkler lines
• Broken, leaking, or misdirected sprinkler heads

Hoses and Connections:

• Repair small leaks with waterproof or Teflon tape
• Replace worn hose washers
• Ensure all hose connections are tightened securely

Fix Simple Issues Like:

• Worn toilet flappers
• Dripping faucets
• Loose connections

For Larger Problems:

• Contact a licensed plumber
• If you think it may be a water lateral service leak, contact the Utilities Office at (608) 789-7536
  • If the leak is on the utility side, we will repair it
  • If it is on the private property side, you will need to contact a plumber

Important: The water utility cannot repair plumbing on private property.

Helpful Tip:

When replacing fixtures, look for WaterSense-labeled products. These use at least 20% less water while maintaining performance.

Types of Leaks and How Much Water They Use

• 170 gallons per day - steady drip
• 288 gallons per day - 1 gallon every 5 minutes
• 970 gallons per day - small stream
• 1440 gallons per day - 1 gallon every minute
• 2880 gallons per day - 2 gallons every minute (avg toilet leak)