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Common household leaks
The most common household leaks are in toilets, faucets, shower heads, water softeners, sprinkler systems, and swimming pools. If you are unable to find the source of a water leak, please contact a professional plumber.
Why we need to check for leaks
Water leaks waste a whole bunch of water, which can lead to increased water bills.
Property owners are responsible for all plumbing maintenance and repairing leaks in a timely manner.
How to find and fix a toilet leak
Remove the lid from the toilet tank. Look and listen for obvious leaks, but be aware: some leaks can be silent!
- If your toilet has a handle rather than buttons, check the chain connecting it to the flush valve to make sure it is not caught on anything and is not pulling very tight against the flush valve.
- If you hear water running even though the water is not moving, the flush valve may no longer seal properly. Test for a poor flush valve using the dye tab test:
- Put a few drops of food colouring or a leak detector tablet/sticker in the toilet tank (not the toilet bowl). Do not use red food dye as it can stain the toilet.
- Wait 15minutes and don’t flush the toilet during this time.
- If the water inside the toilet bowl has changed colour, the flush valve is causing the leak and needs to be cleaned or replaced.
- The water should be about 0.6 centimetres (1/4 inch) below the top of the overflow tube. To adjust the water level, adjust the float height with a screwdriver.
If you still have a leak after checking these items, contact a plumber.
Detect leaks with your water meter
Turn off all faucets and water-using appliances.
Check your water meter—it’s usually in the basement where your water pipe enters the front of your home.
Record your meter’s reading at night when you are done using water for the day, and then again in the morning before using any water (if you have a water softener, do this test when it is not recharging). If the number increases overnight, you have a leak.
Reading an analog water meter
If the low-flow indicator is turning, moving or shaking then you might have a leak. The low-flow indicator is usually a small red or black triangle or dial on the face of the water meter.
Reading a digital water meter
Open the lid and shine a flashlight on the solar panel to activate the display. Wait a few seconds and you will see the total consumption in litres. Then you will see the word “RATE” at the top and the current flow rate in litres per minute. The meter will show each reading every 30 seconds.
To find a leak, look for the leak symbol shaped like a tap
- If it is off, there are no leaks.
- If it is flashing, there has been water flowing for more than 12 hours over a 24 hour period.
- If it is on, water has been flowing for at least 24 hours, and you likely have a leak.
Book a free water audit
A water audit can help find leaks, determine the efficiency of water fixtures and appliances, and review your water bill.
Benefits of a free water audit
- Get a personalized report on your home’s water use.
- Access City rebates to save money and water.
- Free low flow aerator and showerheads.
- Receive helpful advice and tips on water conservation.
Contact us for more information
Water Services
519-837-5627
[email protected]