The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves. These types of leaks are often easy to fix, requiring only a few tools and hardware that can pay for themselves in water savings. Fixing easily corrected household water leaks can save homeowners about 10 percent on their water bills.
Common Sources of Water Leaks:
- Toilets: running, phantom flushes, or tank refilling often.
- Faucets/showerheads: steady drips or moisture at the base.
- Irrigation: soggy patches, bubbling, overspray, broken heads.
- Water heater: pooling, corrosion, or dripping relief valve.
- Service line: wet areas between meter and home, unexplained usage.
Check your meter for hidden leaks
This quick test can help confirm a leak, especially if you don’t see water indoors. This process helps narrow down where the leak is located so the correct repairs can be made.
- Turn off all water use inside and outside the property (including laundry, sprinklers, faucets, ice makers). At the fixture, use the small shutoff valves under the sinks and behind toilets.
- Find your water meter and locate the leak indicator (often a small triangle/star).
- If the indicator moves, water is flowing and likely means a leak is present.
- Turn off the main shutoff valve to the home (often near the front of the home/garage). Turn the valves slowly. If a valve is stuck or leaking, stop and contact a licensed plumber.
- Record your meter reading, wait 15–30 minutes with no water use, then recheck.
- If the meter stops moving, the leak is inside the home.
- If the meter continues to move, the leak may be on the service line between the meter and the property.
Drip Calculator
Visit the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Drip Calculator to estimate water waste.
Quick DIY fixes:
Running toilet
- Dye test: add food coloring to the tank; if color appears in the bowl within 10–15 minutes, the flapper is leaking.
- Replace the flapper and/or adjust the chain. The rubber can wear out and cause your toilet to flush on its own or silently wasting thousands of gallons a year.
- Set the fill valve so water stops about 1 inch below the overflow tube.
Dripping faucet
- Replace worn washers/cartridges (shut off the fixture first).
- Clean aerators to remove mineral buildup.
Irrigation leaks
- Inspect for broken heads, cracked risers, and stuck valves.
- Run each zone for 2–3 minutes and look for pooling or spray onto pavement.
- Adjust heads to reduce overspray and misting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a leak?
You may have a leak if your water bill increases without a change in your normal water use. Other common signs include hearing water running when nothing is turned on, a toilet that refills by itself, wet or soggy areas in your yard, or a water meter that shows movement when no water is being used.
What should I do first if I find a leak?
If water is actively flowing or causing damage, shut off the water as soon as possible at the nearest shutoff valve (fixture, home, or meter). Protect your property if it is safe to do so. Leaks in the street, at a fire hydrant, or around a meter box should be reported to El Toro Water District. Leaks inside the home or on customer plumbing should be repaired by a licensed plumber.
Who is responsible for fixing leaks?
El Toro Water District is responsible for the pipes that bring water from the water main located under the street, all the way to the meter. Customers are responsible for everything from the connection of their service line to the El Toro Water District meter. If you are unsure where the leak is located, checking your meter or contacting the District can help determine next steps.
What does it mean if my water meter shows use when no water is on?
If your meter is showing water use when everything in your home is turned off, this usually means there is a continuous leak. Common causes include a running toilet, a leaking irrigation valve, or a service line leak between the meter and the home.
Can a running toilet really increase my bill?
Yes. Running toilets are one of the most common and costly hidden leaks. A worn or misaligned flapper can allow water to leak continuously into the bowl without being noticed. A simple dye test in the toilet tank can help confirm this type of leak.
How can I tell if the leak is inside or outside my home?
Turn off all indoor water use and irrigation, then check your meter. If the meter still shows water use, the leak may be on the service line or outside. Checking toilets, irrigation systems, and looking for wet spots in the yard can help narrow down the source.
I shut off my home’s water, but the meter still shows use. What should I do?
If your main shutoff valve is off and the meter continues to show water use, the leak may be on the service line between the meter and your home, or the valve may not be fully closing. Contact a licensed plumber and notify the District if you believe the issue may involve the meter or District equipment.
How to calculate water waste?
Visit the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Drip Calculator to estimate water waste and see how much a slow drip of water can waste
Why did my water bill increase even though my household did not change?
Unexpected increases can be caused by hidden leaks, seasonal irrigation changes, broken sprinkler components, guests, filling a pool or spa, pressure washing, or higher water use during hot weather.
Can I receive a billing adjustment if I had a leak?
El Toro Water District may review unusually high bills caused by leaks once repairs have been completed. You may be asked to provide proof of repair, such as a plumber’s invoice or receipt. Please check the District’s leak adjustment policy for details.
How quickly should leaks be repaired?
Leaks should be repaired within 3 days or as soon as possible. Even small leaks can waste significant amounts of water over time and may cause property damage if left untreated.
When to call a licensed professional
- Water is coming through walls/ceilings or near electrical outlets.
- You suspect a slab leak, main line leak, or sewer-related issue.
- Shutoff valves are stuck, broken, or leaking after turning.
- Your meter indicates flow but you can’t locate the source.
What should I do if I see water in the street, at the meter box or near a fire hydrant?
Water in the street, around hydrants, or near a meter box should be reported to El Toro Water District as soon as possible. Please provide the address or nearest cross-streets and describe how much water you see. For urgent situations, call the District at (949) 837-0660 or report online at Report Waterwaste.
What information should I include when reporting a leak to ETWD?
When reporting a leak, include the address or closest cross-streets, where the water is located (street, sidewalk, landscaping, or meter box), how severe the leak appears, when you first noticed it, and photos if it is safe to take them.
