When a water bill spikes unexpectedly, many homeowners assume a broken pipe or a runaway faucet. In reality, the culprit is often a subtle leak that’s hard to see. Morgan Buck, owner of Bluefrog Plumbing + Drain in Portland, explains that most leaks are easy to locate with a few basic checks.

The Meter Test

Start by turning off every water‑using fixture in the house—faucets, outdoor irrigation, washing‑machine, even the icemaker’s automatic cycle. Buck reminds readers not to forget less obvious devices such as humidifiers, water‑softener regeneration cycles, and any scheduled toilet flushes.

Locate the water meter, usually near the curb, in the basement, or beside the water heater, inside a box labeled “water meter.” Open the box (a screwdriver or pliers may be needed) and watch the low‑flow indicator. If it moves after you’ve shut off all fixtures and waited two hours, a leak is likely present.

Next, close the main shut‑off valve where the water line enters the home. Wait an hour and check the meter again. If the indicator stops moving, the leak is inside the house; if it continues, the problem lies in the underground line between the meter and the home.

The Toilet Dye Test

Running toilets are a common source of phantom leaks. Remove the tank lid and drop a few drops of food coloring or a utility dye tablet into the tank. Leave the toilet untouched for 15 minutes. If colored water appears in the bowl, the flapper is allowing water to seep through and should be replaced.

Manual Leak Checks

If the meter and toilet tests don’t reveal the source, a systematic visual inspection can help.

• Water heater: Look for moisture or rust at the base of the tank and along the supply lines. Inspect the T&P discharge pipe for any wet spots, which could indicate pressure or overheating issues.
• Laundry area: Pull the washing machine away from the wall to examine hoses and the wall box. Check the floor and baseboards for stains or dampness.
• Refrigerator with ice maker or water dispenser: Move the unit slightly and inspect the supply line and floor beneath for moisture.
• Dishwasher: Examine the supply connection under the adjacent sink cabinet and the drain hose. Remove the kick panel and use a flashlight to look for wet spots.
• Under‑sink area: Wrap a dry paper towel around shut‑off valves and supply lines; a damp towel points to a leak.
• Toilets: Apply the paper‑towel test to the shut‑off valve and supply line. Gently rock the bowl—if it moves or creaks, a broken seal may be leaking into the subfloor.
• Ceilings and walls: Inspect ceilings beneath bathrooms and walls behind outdoor spigots for water stains.
• Basements and crawl spaces: Look for standing water, damp spots, or warm/cold patches on concrete slabs that could signal an under‑slab leak.

What to Do If You Find a Leak

Many municipalities offer bill adjustments or assistance programs for homeowners who can prove they’ve repaired the underlying issue. Buck advises contacting your local utility to learn about possible refunds or financial aid for repair costs.

Even if you don’t locate a leak right away, these tests can narrow the search and give you a clearer idea of the potential scope and cost of repairs before calling a professional plumber.

Regularly performing these checks can catch small drips early, protecting both your wallet and the environment.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.