Indoor Leak Check: Your Quick Self‑Audit Guide

Stop leaks before they cost you.

Hidden drips and small leaks can waste surprising amounts of water—driving up your bill and potentially causing damage or mold in your home. The good news? It only takes a few minutes to check.

Take a quick look today and save tomorrow.

Walk through your home, check fixtures, and catch water waste early. Your home—and your wallet—will thank you.

Small actions add up to big savings—start your self-audit today!

Check for Toilet Leaks: Don’t Flush Money Away

A cute, cartoonish toilet with a sad expression, featuring a blue water line and a droplet, conveying a whimsical feeling.
A small leak can waste big water—up to ½ gallon per minute, or more than 21,600 gallons a month. Here’s how to spot it fast.

Check for a Flapper Leak

  1. Remove the lid from your toilet tank.
  2. Add a few drops of food coloring (or a dye tablet) to the tank water.
  3. Wait 25–30 minutes—don’t flush or use the toilet during this time.
  4. Take a look in the bowl: If you see color in the bowl, you’ve got a leak.

What it means:
The flapper (flush valve seal) is likely worn. If you touch it and notice black residue coming off, it’s time for a replacement.

Check for an Overflow Leak

  1. Remove the tank lid.
  2. Add food coloring or a dye tablet to the tank.
  3. Gently stir the water with a long spoon or stick.
  4. Wait 25–30 minutes—again, don’t flush.
  5. Check the bowl:
    • If colored water appears, water is leaking through the overflow tube.

What to look for next:

  • Float issue: Lift the float slightly. If the water stops running, it may need adjustment.
  • Fill valve problem: If you hear hissing or squealing, the fill valve may be misadjusted or worn out—try adjusting it or replacing it if needed.

✅ Quick tip: Most toilet leaks are inexpensive and easy to fix—and catching them early can save you money every month.

Check Your Sink for Sneaky Leaks

A gray faucet with a blue droplet of water hanging from the spout.
Even a small drip can add up fast—up to ¼ gallon per minute, or more than 10,800 gallons a month. A quick check can save water and money.
  • 👀 Start at the faucet: Watch it for a minute—any drips mean water (and money) going down the drain.
  • 🔍 Look below: Open the cabinet and inspect hot and cold supply lines for bulges, cracks, or wear.
  • 💧 Turn it on: Run the faucet and keep an eye on the pipes—leaks often show up under pressure.

Good news: Many sink leaks are quick, DIY fixes. With help from trusted tutorials—like EPA WaterSense videos—you can often fix the problem in minutes.

Check Your Bath & Shower for Hidden Leaks

The image shows a bathtub with bubbles, a showerhead, and water droplets, suggesting a relaxing bathing scene.
Turn up the water—then turn down the waste. A quick check can keep your bathroom running efficiently.

🔧 Test the faucets: Turn them on and off to make sure they work smoothly—no drips, no sticking.

🚿 Switch to shower mode: When you divert water to the showerhead, flow from the tub spout should stop completely. If it doesn’t, you could be losing water.

💧 Check your flow: Don’t have a flow bag? No problem—use a known-size bucket and time how long it takes to fill for a rough estimate.

Keep things flowing efficiently:

  • Replace faucet aerators every 3–5 years
  • Upgrade showerheads every 7–15 years
  • Remove buildup by soaking showerheads in calcium, lime, and rust remover
  • Switch to high-efficiency fixtures—easy to install and available at most hardware stores

👉 Small upgrades + quick checks = big water savings.