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!

Don’t Flush Money Away: Check for Toilet Leaks

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.

Hidden Leaks in Your Bath & Shower? Find Them Fast

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.

Hidden Kitchen Leaks? Here’s Where to Look

Your kitchen works hard—make sure it’s not quietly wasting water. Don’t forget to check the kitchen sink, too!

A cartoon-style dishwasher filled with plates and utensils, ready for cleaning.
Dishwasher

👀 Take a quick look: Check around the base and door for drips or moisture.

🔍 Look underneath: Open the cabinet (if accessible) and inspect water supply lines for cracks, bulges, or wear.

💧 Run a cycle: Watch for leaks while it’s operating—some only appear when water is flowing.


The image features a stylized representation of a coffee maker or machine, with elements like buttons and a carafe.
Garbage Disposal

👀 Check the connections: Look where the disposal meets the sink and pipes for moisture or dripping.

🔍 Inspect the lines: Make sure hoses and fittings are secure and not worn or bulging.

💧 Turn it on with water running: Watch carefully for leaks during operation.


The image features a stylized refrigerator or freezer with abstract blue shapes in the background.
Ice Maker

👀 Inspect behind the fridge: Check the water line for kinks, cracks, or loose connections.

🔍 Feel the line: Look for weak spots or bulges in the tubing.

💧 Check while in use: Make sure there’s no leaking as the ice maker refills.


A simple kitchen sink with a modern faucet and a drain at the bottom.
Don’t Forget the Kitchen Sink!

👀 Watch the faucet for drips

🔍 Check supply lines under the cabinet

💧 Run water and watch for leaks under pressure


✅ Many small leaks are easy fixes with online tutorials (like EPA WaterSense). Catch them early and save water, money, and hassle.

Don’t Let It Leak: Check Your Laundry Room Today

A quick check can keep your laundry room leak‑free and your water bill under control—don’t forget nearby fixtures like your sink, too!

Check Your Washing Machine for Hidden Leaks
The image depicts a modern washing machine with a transparent door and digital controls, set to 30 degrees.

👀 Start with a visual check: Look around the base of the machine for puddles, damp spots, or signs of past leaks.

🔍 Inspect the hoses: Check hot and cold water supply lines for cracks, bulges, or loose connections.

💧 Run a cycle: Turn on the machine and watch the hoses and connections while it fills and drains—leaks often show up during use.

🌀 Check the drain hose: Make sure it’s securely connected and not kinked or worn.


An illustration of a kitchen sink with a faucet pouring water into the basin.
Don’t Forget the Nearby Sink!

  • Watch the faucet for drips
  • Check supply lines under the cabinet
  • Run water and look for leaks while it’s in use


✅ Good to know: Washing machine hoses should be replaced every 3–5 years to help prevent unexpected leaks. Catching small issues early can save you from big repairs later.