Household leaks waste nearly 1 trillion gallons of water each year nationwide according to EPA WaterSense® .
The average household can waste more than 10,000 gallons per year from leaks alone. That is enough water to wash hundreds of loads of laundry. Beyond higher utility bills, leaks can also lead to structural damage, mold growth and costly repairs.
Finding and fixing leaks is one of the fastest ways to reduce water waste and help protect your home. Some leaks are obvious, while others are silent and hidden behind walls, under floors or underground. Knowing where to look and which tools to use makes the process more manageable.
Start with Your Water Meter
One of the simplest ways to detect a hidden leak is to check your water meter.
- Turn off all water inside and outside the home.
- Check the water meter and note the reading.
- Wait at least two hours without using any water.
- Check the meter again.
If the reading has changed, you likely have a leak somewhere in the system. This method helps identify hidden leaks such as underground irrigation issues or slow toilet leaks that are not immediately visible.
For homeowners who want continuous monitoring rather than periodic checks, smart water-monitoring systems can provide an added layer of protection. Devices such as the Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Valve, exclusive to The Home Depot, tracks water flow in real time and can alert you to unusual activity that may indicate a leak.
Check Common Indoor Leak Areas
Toilets
Toilets are one of the most common sources of hidden leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.
How to test: Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. Wait 10 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
Common fixes
- Replace a worn flapper.
- Adjust the float.
- Upgrade to a WaterSense-labeled toilet, like the Kohler Highline Arc Toilet, if the existing model is outdated.
WaterSense-labeled toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, helping reduce water use by at least 20% compared to the federal standard.
Faucets
A faucet dripping once per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.
How to detect: Look for visible drips, mineral buildup around the spout or pooling water under sinks.
Common fixes
- Replace worn washers or O-rings.
- Tighten loose connections.
- Install WaterSense-labeled faucet aerators to help reduce flow by up to 30%.
Showerheads
Even small showerhead leaks can waste significant water over time.
How to detect: Check for dripping when the shower is off or spray coming from connection points.
Common fixes
- Replace rubber washers.
- Apply plumber’s tape to threaded connections.
- Upgrade to a WaterSense-labeled showerhead, which can reduce water use by up to 20%. A great option is the Moen Attract with Magnetix 6-Spray Wall-Mount Dual Showerhead.
Water Heaters
Water heater leaks can cause serious damage if ignored.
How to detect: Look for pooling water near the base of the tank, check the pressure relief valve, and inspect supply line connections for moisture or corrosion.
Common fixes
- Tighten loose fittings.
- Replace faulty valves.
- Consult a licensed professional if the tank itself is leaking.
Smart monitoring systems can also detect abnormal flow patterns that may indicate a hidden plumbing issue, even if the leak is not immediately visible.
Inspect Outdoor Water Use
Outdoor leaks are often overlooked and can waste large amounts of water.
Sprinkler Systems
Running an irrigation system with damaged or missing sprinkler heads can lead to moderate unnecessary water waste.
How to detect: Look for soggy patches in the yard, inspect sprinkler heads for cracks or misalignment, and check for uneven spray patterns or water hitting pavement.
Common fixes
- Replace broken sprinkler heads.
- Adjust spray direction to keep water on plants.
- Install a WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller, such as the Rain Bird ARC8 8-Zone Residential Irrigation Controller, to help reduce outdoor water use by up to 20%.
Outdoor Spigots and Hoses
Outdoor spigots and hose connections are common leak points.
How to detect: Check for dripping when the spigot is turned off and inspect hose connections for moisture.
Common fixes
- Replace worn washers.
- Use hose nozzles with shutoff valves.
- Disconnect hoses during colder months to prevent damage to spigots.
Add Smart Monitoring for Peace of Mind
While many leaks can be detected through visual inspection, some plumbing issues occur behind walls or under slabs. Smart water-monitoring systems can provide continuous oversight. The Moen Flo Smart Water Monitor and Automatic Shutoff Valve, exclusive to The Home Depot, monitors water pressure and flow throughout the home and can send mobile alerts if it detects unusual activity. In the event of a major leak, it can automatically shut off the water supply to help prevent damage.
This type of system is especially helpful for second homes, older plumbing systems or households that want added protection against unexpected water damage.
Make Leak Checks a Regular Habit
EPA WaterSense encourages homeowners to check for leaks each year, especially during Fix a Leak Week in March. A quick inspection of toilets, faucets, irrigation systems and hoses can help save thousands of gallons of water annually.
By combining routine checks, WaterSense-labeled upgrades and smart monitoring tools, homeowners can reduce water waste, lower utility bills and protect their property from costly damage.
Buy Now
