Detecting Water Leaks
1. Most water meters have a leak detection device installed. Usually this is a small red dial located on the water meter. When it is moving, water is being used in your home. To determine if you have a water leak, make sure all the faucets and toilets are turned off, open your water meter and see if the small dial on the meter is moving. If it is, you most likely have a leak.
2. Purchase a leak detection device from your local hardware store. Passive leak detection devices usually operate on a stand-alone battery and sit on the floor next to a potential water hazard such as; water heater, faucet, or toilet. When water is detected, it sounds an audible alarm.
3. Toilet leaks can consume a tremendous amount of water. Open up the tank to see if the valve is leaking by watching the water level in the tank. If it is dropping, you probably have a leak.
4. Make sure your ceilings and walls show no signs of discoloration or wet spots. If you notice a wet spot, you should call a plumber to see if you have a leak in the wall, floor or ceiling. This could come from a water pipe or HVAC sytem.
5. Monitor your water bill every month. If you have noticed an increase in the water usage, you should make sure you do not have a leak in your home.