Leak Detection Checklist

How Small Drips Can Lead to Big Bills

Water leaks, whether big or small, can lead to significant water waste and unexpectedly high bills. A dripping faucet or a running toilet may seem minor, but over time, these leaks can add up, wasting thousands of gallons of water annually. This checklist will guide you through common areas in your home where leaks might occur and offer tips to detect them.

Your Guide to Detecting Water Leaks

TOILETS	What to Look For: Water Rippling: Look for water rippling in the toilet bowl. Continuous Filling: Listen for the toilet constantly filling or emptying without being flushed. Puddling: Check for water puddling around the base of the toilet. Running Water: If you hear water running in pipes when no fixtures are being used, it might indicate a toilet leak.
SHOWER HEADS AND BATHTUB FAUCETS	What to Look For: Dripping Water Look for water dripping or puddling after the shower is turned off.
SINKS (Kitchen, Garage, Basement, Laundry Room, Bathroom)	What to Look For: Leaking Faucet: Check for water dripping after the faucet is turned off. Cabinet Puddles: Look for water puddling under the sink cabinet.
OUTDOOR IRRIGATION	What to Look For: Broken Sprinklers: Check for broken sprinkler heads or nozzles streaming water. Consistent Running Water: Look for water running consistently. Puddles on Grass: Identify water puddling on the grass.
INTERIOR PLUMBING PIPES	What to Look For: Ceiling Drips: Check for water dripping from the ceiling, walls, or puddling on the floor. Spraying Noise: Listen for a spraying noise or loose pipes. Running Water Sound: If you hear water running in pipes when no fixtures are used, it might indicate a leak.
OUTDOOR SPIGOTS AND HOSES (Front/Back Yards, Garden, Pool Area)	What to Look For: Hose Check: Ensure the hose isn’t left running when not in use. Water Spray: Look for water spraying where the hose connects to the spigot. Dripping Spigots: Check for any water dripping from the spigot.
POOLS OR JACUZZI TUBS	What to Look For: Left-On Hoses: Ensure hoses aren't accidentally left on. Automatic Fillers: Check if the automatic pool/jacuzzi filler is running constantly.
APPLIANCES (Dishwasher, Washing Machine, Automatic Humidifier, Ice/Water Dispenser)	What to Look For: Connection Drips: Look for water dripping or puddling from the appliance connection.
WATER SERVICE LINE LEAK	What to Look For: Water Pressure: Check for decreased water pressure. Discoloration: Look for discolored water. Bubbling Water: Identify water bubbling up in your yard or on outside surfaces. Overflowing Meter Pit: Check if the meter pit box is full of water or overflowing.

Additional Leak Prevention & Detection Tips

Stay proactive to prevent water waste and costly repairs. Regularly checking for leaks not only helps conserve water but also saves you from unexpected expenses.

Don't Forget to Go Outside:

Spigot Check: Ensure tight connections with the hose and see if the hose washer needs replacing.
Irrigation Systems: Check for broken sprinklers or nozzles spraying in the wrong direction.

High Usage Alerts (HUNA) - Keep Your Water Usage in Check

Stay Informed: Sign up for High Water Usage Alerts (HUNA) to get notified if your water usage is higher than normal.
Early Warning: HUNA might be your first indication of a problem, such as a broken pipe, leaking toilet, or unattended hose.
Tracking: DC Water’s high water alert service tracks your water usage daily, monthly, and yearly. After a full year of tracking, you'll receive alerts when your water usage is significantly higher for four consecutive days.

Sign-Up: Visit http://www.dcwater.com/HUNA to enroll and take control of your water usage today!

Throughout the House:

Moisture & Mold: Check for signs of moisture or mold on your walls, ceilings, or floors. This could indicate a hidden leak that requires professional attention.

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